No one wants to believe their loved one is being abused or neglected when under the care of a nursing home staff, but unfortunately it happens all too frequently. Regardless of how much time and effort you put into finding your loved one the perfect nursing home, there is a fairly good chance they may be the victim of abuse or neglect at some point. According to the Family Caregiver Alliance, more than 1.3 million Americans receive long-term care in a nursing home, an additional 1.2 million are in hospice, and 700,000 reside in independent living communities. These numbers are expected to increase exponentially in the coming years, which is why nursing home abuse is such an important topic right now. By our best estimates, around 1-2 million U.S. citizens over the age of 65 are being mistreated or exploited by a caregiver. This number will likely shock you, as it did us the first time it was presented to us. With this number in mind, it is no wonder why nursing home abuse and neglect are at the forefront of many of our discussions today.
It can be difficult to keep tabs on your elderly loved one once they are in a nursing home, but it is nonetheless important to understand the various signs of nursing home abuse and neglect and do your best to ensure your loved one is safe. As a general rule, it is recommended that relatives visit their elderly loved ones at the nursing home as frequently as possible. While this may not always be possible, it is helpful to understand some of the most common signs of nursing home neglect:
- Dehydration – One of the first signs of nursing home neglect is dehydration. It is common for older people to experience fluctuation in their sense of thirst, but if you notice your loved one is excessively thirsty and is constantly asking for something to drink, this should raise a red flag. Nursing homes that are short on staff commonly overlook ‘small’ things like providing residents with enough water, which is undoubtedly neglect.
- Bedsores – Even if your loved one spends the majority of time in bed, they should not develop bedsores if they are being properly cared for by the nursing home staff. Bedsores are quite common, especially if your loved one’s caregiver isn’t moving them enough. These bedsores can be very painful and even life-threatening.
- Poor hygiene – Another tell-tale sign of nursing home neglect is a decline in hygiene. If your loved one requires help with many daily tasks like going to the bathroom, bathing, and dressing, it is important the caregiver is providing these services. If you notice they seem as though they haven’t bathed in a while or seem to be wearing dirty clothes, chances are they are being neglected.
Admitting your loved one to a nursing home is never fun, but it is a necessary part of getting older. If you suspect your elderly friend or family member isn’t receiving the care they need or deserve, they may be suffering from nursing home abuse or neglect. To learn more about how you can help them, please contact our McKinney nursing home negligence law firm today. The McKinney medical negligence attorneys at Wormington & Bollinger are here to answer any questions you may have and help you better understand your rights.