As our loved ones get older, it may be more difficult to provide the care they need. So this is when most people opt for nursing home care. While it’s reasonable for you to expect the facility to provide proper care to your senior friend or relative, sadly, this isn’t always the case. At Peterson & Associates, P.C., our Kansas City nursing home abuse lawyers want you to be aware of the various signs of abuse and neglect and what you can do to put a stop to it.
Signs of Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect
No one should ever take advantage of someone in a vulnerable situation. Unfortunately, as you hear on the news quite frequently, this happens in nursing homes for numerous reasons including, but not limited to:
- Lack of staff members to properly care for residents
- Insufficient training
- Staff members who simply don’t care and act negligently as a result
The visits you make to your loved one really matter, not only for your relationship, but also for the opportunity to monitor their emotional, mental, and physical health. Here’s how to recognize nursing home or elder abuse on a regular basis.
Pressure Ulcers (Bed Sores)
If you notice pressure ulcers, also known as bed sores, on your loved one, this is a tell-tale sign of nursing home neglect. Bed sores are preventable with proper care. If they develop, they must be treated immediately, or significant injury can result. These usually develop on the lower back, feet, and around the tailbone. If you spot one, take pictures.
Falls
Someone with mobility issues may fall if they’re not helped out of bed and assisted when walking or using the toilet. This can result in broken bones and head injuries and may be considered negligence on behalf of the nursing home. Falls are more common when a nursing home doesn’t have enough staff members to properly look after all residents.
Malnourished or Failure to Monitor
If a resident is malnourished, dehydrated, or their fluid or food intake isn’t monitored, this can cause serious harm. For example, if a person is taking pain medication, which can cause constipation, and the nursing home staff fails to carefully monitor overall health status regularly, a bowel impaction can result. This can lead to serious injuries or even death.
There are many more signs that your elderly loved one may display if they have experienced neglect and abuse in a nursing home. It’s crucial for you to pay close attention and make sure your loved one is well cared for and the staff is taking the proper precautions to keep them safe. If they do not, you have the right to hold the nursing home financially accountable for the damages your loved one sustained.