The decision to move a family member to a nursing home can be emotionally fraught and difficult. However, for disabled or elderly adults, these facilities can often provide the care and support that friends and family aren’t able to on their own. Unfortunately, not all nursing homes offer a high standard of care, and can sometimes be downright dangerous.
It’s essential to know the signs of abuse and neglect so you can advocate for and protect your loved ones from nursing home negligence. This article will discuss various forms of neglect in nursing homes and identify some signs of neglect.
How is Neglect Defined?
Neglect is a type of abuse committed against nursing home residents. While it may seem less violent than other types of abuse, it is still extremely detrimental to the physical, mental, and emotional health of patients, many of whom are vulnerable.
Nursing home neglect involves failure to meet an older or disabled adult’s basic needs, including water, food, shelter, clothing, personal hygiene, and medical care. According to the National Council on Aging, as many as 5 million nursing home residents in the United States experience neglect and abuse every year.
Types of Neglect
Nursing home neglect can manifest in various ways. It is important to understand the different types of neglect so you know what to be aware of.
Abandonment
Abandonment in a nursing home refers to a resident being left without adequate care or supervision, either temporarily or permanently. Staff members may fail to provide necessary care, such as regular check-ins or assistance with daily activities.
Discharge without proper planning is another example of abandonment. If a resident is discharged from a facility without arrangements for their continued care, such as a transfer to a different facility or ensuring they have the support they need at home, this can constitute abandonment.
If a facility does not have enough staff to adequately care for all residents, leading to neglect and lack of attention to individual needs, this can also be a form of abandonment.
Medical Neglect
Medical neglect in a nursing home refers to the failure to provide necessary medical care and treatment to residents, which can lead to significant health deterioration. It can manifest in a variety of ways.
Commonly, medical neglect includes failing to administer medications, ignoring medical conditions such as chronic illnesses or wounds like bedsores, failing to regularly monitor residents’ health status, not responding to emergencies, or ignoring resident requests for help.
Basic Needs Not Met
This includes failing to provide for residents’ basic personal needs, such as bathing, grooming, or changing clothing. It can also involve not attending to incontinence or other personal hygiene issues.
Nutritional neglect can also fall into this category. It might involve serving insufficient or inappropriate food, failing to monitor dietary needs, or not addressing swallowing difficulties.
Social & Emotional Neglect
This type of neglect involves ignoring the emotional or psychological needs of residents. It can include a lack of social interaction, emotional support, or failure to address mental health issues.
Signs of Neglect
Identifying signs of neglect in nursing home residents is vital to ensuring their well-being. If you notice any of these signs, you should investigate further and take appropriate action, which might include discussing concerns with the facility’s management, contacting regulatory agencies, or seeking legal advice if necessary.
Physical Signs
Physical signs could be the most noticeable way that neglect manifests. You might see that residents have an unkempt appearance or dirty clothes. Significant weight loss or a decrease in appetite could indicate malnutrition or dehydration. Look for untreated wounds, bed sores, infections, or other health problems.
Behavioral Signs
You should look for unexplained changes in behavior, such as increased agitation, withdrawal, or signs of depression, which could indicate emotional neglect. Lack of social interaction or activities the resident previously enjoyed may also be a sign of neglect. A resident who appears fearful or anxious around staff may also be experiencing neglect or abuse.
Environmental Signs
You should also inspect the facility for unsafe living conditions or lack of proper equipment. Poorly maintained living spaces, such as dirty or cluttered rooms, broken furniture, or inadequate heating and cooling, can indicate neglect. In addition, the absence of necessary mobility aids, such as wheelchairs or walkers, or malfunctioning equipment could indicate neglect.
Let Pullano & Siporin Help if You Suspect Nursing Home Neglect
If you suspect that a loved one is experiencing neglect in a nursing home, it’s important to take action promptly to ensure their safety and well-being. Begin by documenting any signs of neglect you observe, such as poor hygiene, untreated medical conditions, or unsafe living conditions. Communicate your concerns with the facility’s management and request a thorough review of the care your loved one is receiving.
However, if the response is unsatisfactory or you feel the issue persists, seeking legal assistance may be necessary. The law firm of Pullano and Siporin specializes in handling cases of nursing home neglect and can provide expert guidance and support to address these serious concerns. Their experienced team of attorneys will work diligently to advocate for your loved one’s rights and ensure they receive the quality care they deserve.
Don’t hesitate to contact Pullano and Siporin to discuss your situation and explore your legal options for protecting your loved one.
