People in Natchitoches who choose to put a loved one in a nursing home do not make such decisions lightly. A lot of research and thought is put into choosing the facility that will best meet your loved one’s needs. Unfortunately, nursing home abuse does occur even in “good” facilities. The following are six warning signs to look out for that may indicate nursing home abuse is occurring.
Poor hygiene
Adults in a nursing home often need assistance bathing, using the bathroom, grooming and dressing. If your loved one’s personal hygiene is lacking, it may indicate that the facility is understaffed or its staff members do not have the education necessary to provide proper health care.
Unsanitary facilities
Under federal law nursing homes must establish infection control programs so that their facilities are safe and sanitary. In addition, there may be state requirements regarding the safety and cleanliness of nursing homes. Unsanitary living conditions could cause residents to fall ill or suffer other health conditions.
Inadequate nutrition
Malnutrition or dehydration can cause a nursing home resident to suffer physically. Some residents may have specific nutritional needs or may be unable to feed themselves. If your loved one is suffering from malnutrition or dehydration, it may be due to a lack of oversight in the facility, inadequate staffing and high staff turnover.
Loss of mobility
Many nursing home residents have problems staying mobile. It is important that nursing homes help residents exercise if possible and stay active. If a resident is bedbound, they should be moved routinely. The failure to take these steps could lead to a loss in mobility, bedsores and infections.
Injuries that have no explanation
If your loved one has an injury that cannot be explained, it may be an indicator of nursing home abuse. Some of these injuries may include broken bones, bruises or head injuries. These injuries could be the result of falls or they may be intentionally inflicted on residents. The failure to prevent falls combined with untrained staff could lead to unexplained injuries.
Mental health issues
If a nursing home resident is neglected, they could become depressed, fearful or angry. They may grow distant from loved ones or may be afraid to talk about the abuse. These emotional changes should be addressed and could be avoided through adequate care and companionship.
Learn more about nursing home abuse and neglect
It can be very distressing to learn a loved one is the victim of nursing home abuse and neglect. Fortunately, there are steps that can be taken to hold facilities accountable for their negligence. Our firm’s webpage on nursing home negligence may be a useful resource for those who want further information on their rights and options.