When nursing home residents receive subpar care, it is considered neglect and can lead to bodily injury, disease, mental health issues, or even death. Neglect in nursing homes can be just as dangerous as abuse. Sadly, it has become all too common. Food, water, housing, clothing, hygiene, and basic medical care are among the fundamental needs that a nursing home should provide. However, neglect in nursing homes can go undetected, even by the victim. Many cases of neglect go unreported for lengthy periods of time. This is particularly true if the victim has a disability, cognitive impairment, or is already afflicted by emotional disorders including anxiety or PTSD. Seniors may also be reluctant to speak up for fear of retaliation from nursing home employees.
Fortunately, you have options if you suspect your loved one is being neglected. There are common signs of nursing home neglect to look out for.
Neglect Relating to Food and Water
Failing to provide enough food and water for residents in a nursing home is the first sign of neglect. In the worst-case scenario, this can lead to malnutrition, starvation, and dehydration. Unexplained weight loss is a red flag to look out for.
Malnutrition can be caused by eating insufficient food, a lack of essential nutrients, or a change in metabolism or absorption. People who are malnourished are more likely to experience issues like a higher risk of infection, sluggish wound healing, reduced respiratory function, muscle weakness, falls, fractures, and sluggish recovery.
Elderly people are more likely to become dehydrated due to medical issues or prescriptions they use, such as blood pressure medications that cause the body to lose water. Dehydration can quickly result in a number of major health issues, including urinary tract infections, kidney stones, and more.
Neglect Relating to Housing and Hygiene
Dirty or hazardous living conditions are the next sign of nursing home neglect. The rooms and public spaces should always be kept clean. The building and all its amenities should be in a safe and secure state. The nursing home’s temperatures should be kept within the standards specified. If the staff are failing to change a resident’s clothes or bedding on a regular basis or failing to clean a resident daily, then these issues need to be addressed.
If a patient looks generally unkempt, has soiled clothing, or has an unclean smell, you need to take action. Failure to give residents with mobility issues canes, walkers, or wheelchairs is also neglect. If nursing home staff keep individuals from socializing with others, they may be guilty of emotional maltreatment, and this is a sign of neglect.
Neglect Relating to Medical Care
Examples of medical negligence include not informing nurses or doctors of diseases or illnesses; administration of medicine at improper or inadequate doses; giving out prescriptions that have a lot of adverse effects; not giving medication when prescribed; incorrect medical treatment for existing conditions; and a general lack of sympathy and care from professionals.
Seniors with mobility difficulties who are not routinely moved run the risk of developing bedsores. Bruises, burns, neglected medical issues, significant personality changes, and other unexplained injuries are all red flags that may indicate nursing home neglect.
You should be aware that nursing home neglect is never acceptable and that you have legal options. Many individuals mistakenly believe that nursing home abuse solely refers to physical wounds and are unaware that neglect is also a kind of abuse. If you see any indications of abuse in nursing home settings, it’s crucial to record as much information as you can. Taking pictures and obtaining copies of medical documents that could show abuse or neglect are examples of this.
Act immediately if you suspect your loved one is a victim of neglect in a nursing home. Our attorneys at Cassisi law firm, NY are waiting to assist. Call us now on (718) 441-5050 to request a case review or visit us in our offices at 10208 101st Ave Ozone Park, NY 11416.