When we face the heart-wrenching decision to place someone we love in a nursing home, we are careful to employ a nice home. We want our family member to feel comfortable. We want to know that their needs are met, and we expect them to be cared for properly and with respect.
As nursing home abuse attorneys, we can tell you that most of the time, the nursing homes are patient and caring. Most of the time employees of the nursing home are checked out thoroughly. They have structured methods of care, and they are required to uphold those standards.
However, there are times when a nursing home does not fulfill their obligation to you or your family member. When it is your parent or grandparent, neglect is just as damaging as physical abuse. The resident feels ashamed, helpless, and angry. They are not treated with the dignity they are accustomed to. This is when you must step in,
Signs Of Elder Neglect
There are times when a senior citizen cannot communicate well. They get upset easily, and sometimes they get confused. Regardless, your responsibility is to assume they are telling you the truth and to get to the bottom of the situation.
Below, we will give you a list of signs that a senior citizen may have that should give you a red flag. If your loved one has any of these signs (or more than one), you need to take action immediately:
- Bed Sores
- Bed sores form when a patient is not turned regularly. When a person lays in one position for extended periods of time, their skin becomes damaged from the prolonged pressure on the point of contact. They hurt, and they can become infected. They are 100% preventable.
- Over drugged
- If you notice that every time you visit or call, your loved one seems to be groggy and sleepy? Do they have trouble talking or staying awake? This may be a sign that they are being over drugged.
- Agitation, depression, upset, or angry
- Elderly people feel helpless. If someone is making their life harder and if they are often left uncomfortable and ignored, they may be neglected and do not know.
- Falls
- If the patient is not attended to, they may try to get up, and tend to themselves. This can result in falls, and injury.
- Signs of dehydration
- If the patient is not drinking enough water, the staff must contact the doctor for instruction. Dehydration can be deadly.
- Frequent or persistent infections
If your loved one suddenly begins to decline in health, you need to look into it. Were they able to use the toilet on their own when you brought them, and now they are being forced to wear adult diapers? Were they able to walk on their own or with the help of a cane or walker and then suddenly had to be transported in a wheelchair? Could it be that busy staff members do not want to take the time to help them to the toilet or to help them walk slowly?
These are not only ethical issues; they are legal issues. If you feel that your loved one is being neglected contact a nursing home abuse law firm. They can tell you what steps to take to ensure the wellbeing of your family member.