Concerned that your loved one is not receiving proper care?
It’s true that families assume nursing homes and long-term care facilities provide a safe environment for their elderly relatives. But the hard truth is that 1 in 10 adults over age 60 experience some form of elder abuse every year.
The issue:
Elder abuse and nursing home neglect are difficult to detect and identify. Signs can be subtle and victims often feel too afraid to speak up. But if you have an elderly parent or loved one in a nursing home or long-term care facility, it’s important to know the warning signs.
You’ll find out:
- What is Nursing Home Neglect?
- Physical Warning Signs
- Behavioral Warning Signs
- How to Respond if you Suspect Nursing Home Neglect
What is Nursing Home Neglect?
When we talk about nursing home neglect, we mean the failure of facilities to provide even the most basic level of care required to keep residents safe and healthy.
This is serious stuff, not the occasional oversight or momentary lapse in care. We’re talking about real neglect that can cause serious injury or even death. In fact, recent statistics show that 95% of nursing home residents report experiencing some form of neglect or seeing other residents suffer neglect.
Pause and think about that for a minute…
Almost every single nursing home resident has witnessed some form of neglect. This is not an isolated problem, but rather an epidemic.
Neglect can take many forms. It could be the failure to assist residents with eating, drinking, or taking medications. It could be allowing residents to remain in soiled clothing or failing to reposition bedridden patients to prevent bedsores. Whatever the case, neglect causes real harm to residents.
Why is neglect so prevalent?
The leading cause of nursing home neglect is understaffing. In fact, as many as 9 out of 10 nursing homes are understaffed and unable to provide adequate care. When there are not enough workers to care for all the residents, people suffer.
So if you are concerned about a loved one, the first step in protecting them is to know the warning signs. Many families are in denial or unaware that a problem even exists until permanent damage has been done. This is why connecting with a Connecticut nursing home abuse attorney as soon as you suspect a problem is key to understanding your rights and taking action before neglect causes long-term or permanent damage.
Physical Warning Signs
The easiest way to identify neglect is by recognizing physical warning signs.
Physical signs are the most obvious indicators of nursing home neglect. When you visit your loved one in their facility, take a close look at their appearance and physical condition.
Look for these red flags:
- Unexplained weight loss – Nearly 20% of nursing home residents suffer from malnutrition. If your loved one is losing weight rapidly or has a visibly emaciated appearance, they are likely not getting enough food or assistance with eating.
- Dehydration – 17% of nursing home residents suffer from chronic dehydration. Signs of dehydration include dry mouth, sunken eyes, dark urine, and confusion.
- Bedsores – Also known as pressure ulcers, these painful lesions form on the skin when someone remains in one position for too long. Bedsores are completely preventable with proper care.
- Poor hygiene – Does your loved one smell like urine or feces? Do they have soiled or stained clothing? Is their hair matted or unwashed? All these are signs that they are not getting help with basic hygiene needs.
- Unexplained bruises or injuries – Of course, some falls and injuries are bound to happen. But if you notice frequent bruising or injuries, that means your loved one is not being properly supervised.
Let’s be honest…
Physical signs don’t develop overnight. Rather, they result from a pattern of staff failing to provide even the most basic care over time. So if you notice any of these warning signs, document them with photos and the date.
Behavioral Warning Signs
Physical signs are important, but changes in behavior are also huge red flags.
Behavioral or mood changes can be just as telling as physical symptoms. If your loved one can’t tell you what’s happening, their behavior will give it away.
Here are the behavioral warning signs to look out for:
- Withdrawal/depression – Yes, it’s normal for someone to feel a little sad or down after moving to a facility. But excessive withdrawal or sudden depression can be a red flag for neglect or abuse.
- Fear of specific staff – If your loved one is anxious or fearful around certain employees or staff, that is a big warning sign.
- Reluctance to talk – If your loved one suddenly becomes quiet or uncommunicative when it comes to their care, it might mean that something is wrong. Victims of neglect are often afraid to complain for fear of retaliation.
- Sleep changes – Too much sleeping or insomnia can be signs of emotional distress or inadequate care.
- Confusion/disorientation – While some confusion is to be expected with dementia, sudden changes in mental status can be caused by dehydration, malnutrition, or medication errors.
The thing is…
Behavioral warning signs are easy to overlook and write off as “normal aging” or “just having a bad day.” But if you see a pattern of these warning signs in your loved one, especially if you’re also seeing physical warning signs, take them seriously.
Trust your instincts. You know your loved one better than anyone. If it feels wrong, it probably is.
How to Respond if you Suspect Nursing Home Neglect
You’ve found warning signs. Here is what to do next.
Taking quick action can help to prevent further harm and in some cases, save your loved one’s life. Don’t wait or hope for improvement. Be decisive.
Here are the steps you should follow:
- Document everything. Take photos of injuries and bedsores, write down dates and times of incidents, and keep a notebook for detailed notes of conversations with staff. This documentation will be key for any investigations or legal action.
- Talk to your loved one. If your loved one is capable of communicating, ask them directly about their care and treatment. Do they feel safe and secure? Are they getting enough to eat and drink?
- Report to facility management. First, you should report your concerns to the nursing home administrator. All facilities are required to investigate and respond to complaints. Document your report in writing and follow up to get a response.
- Contact state authorities. If the facility fails to respond or the problem persists, contact your state’s long-term care ombudsman. Ombudsman investigate complaints and can take enforcement action.
- Seek legal help. A nursing home abuse lawyer can help you understand your rights and take legal action if necessary. They can also help you to move your loved one to a safe and appropriate facility if necessary.
One more thing you should know…
Only about 1 in 24 incidents of elder abuse are ever reported to authorities. Many family members don’t know they can take action or fear retaliation against their loved one.
But by staying silent, you allow the abuse and neglect to continue. By speaking up, you can protect your loved one and potentially help other residents at the facility.
Wrapping It Up
Recognizing nursing home neglect can be the difference between life and death for your loved one.
Warning signs are clear when you know what to look for. Physical signs like unexplained weight loss, dehydration, and bedsores. Behavioral changes such as depression, fear, or withdrawal.
Remember:
- Trust your instincts when something feels wrong.
- Document everything you see.
- Take action quickly to protect your loved one.
- Don’t be afraid to contact an attorney for help.
Your loved one deserves to be safe, healthy, and treated with dignity and respect. By being vigilant and knowing the warning signs, you can help ensure that they get the care they need and deserve.
