3 Signs of Nursing Home Neglect
A nursing home is supposed to be a safe place where your loved one can get the care they deserve, but what happens when they are neglected instead? Find out three important signs of nursing home neglect.
Choosing to place your loved one in a nursing home facility can be a difficult decision. You want your family member to have the best possible experience, as well as the best care. Typically, nursing homes are designed to provide round-the-clock care for elderly or disabled family members who may need more help than you’re able to offer at home. Unfortunately, not all nursing homes are created equal. Sometimes, a nursing home may actually neglect its residents. If you’re concerned about nursing home neglect, there are three things you should look for.
1. Bedsores
Nursing home residents may have a difficult time getting around. Because of this, care managers are trained to help residents get up, move physically when they are able, and to assist the residents in getting around. If you notice that your loved one has developed bedsores, this may be a sign of physical neglect or improper care. Bedsores are a serious medical condition, which means they require prompt medical attention.
2. Bruises
Bruises are another sign of neglect. These are not a normal part of nursing home care. Patients should not have unexplained injuries or bruises on their bodies. Bruising can be a sign of mistreatment by nursing home caregivers, but it can also be a sign of neglect. For example, if your loved one is not being watched properly, they may have become injured by tripping or falling. Make sure you note any strange bruises you notice on your loved one at visits. Some family members simply brush these off as a common occurrence, but they can actually be quite problematic.
3. Withdrawal
Your loved one should be emotionally receptive when you visit them at the nursing home. If you notice an unusual emotional withdrawal when you visit your family member, don’t brush this off as simply part of the aging process. It’s common for abused residents to stop talking or withdraw from loved ones when they are in pain, so make sure you take note if your family member suddenly stops communicating with you.
Nursing home abuse isn’t something you have to face on your own. If you suspect that your loved one has been abused or neglected in some way, it’s important that you reach out to an attorney who can help you. Not only can a lawyer help you get answers, but they can help you move forward in a safe way and help ensure you’re able to seek an emotionally stable and caring environment for your loved one’s future care.
