When deciding to place a loved one in a nursing home, it is essential to consider the quality of care they will receive. Unfortunately, neglect and abuse in nursing homes are too common. Knowing the warning signs of nursing home neglect and how to spot them is essential. Knowing the signs of neglect can help protect your loved one from experiencing any mistreatment in the home.
Unexplained injuries
Injuries are a very common sign of nursing home neglect. If your loved one has unexplained injuries, it is essential to take note of them and report them to the nursing home. This can include unexplained bruises, bumps, cuts, burns, and broken bones. If you notice unexplained injuries on your loved one, report this to the staff immediately. It is essential to keep an eye on your loved one to ensure they are not hurting themselves on purpose or doing anything to their body that they should not be doing. This is a sign that they are not receiving the care they need and are in a lot of pain. Again, if you notice this, report it to the staff immediately.
Unsanitary living conditions
If you notice the nursing home or your loved one’s room is unclean, with dirt and grime everywhere, this can be a sign that the staff is not cleaning enough. If you notice areas of your loved one’s room are dirty, such as the bathroom, bed, and floors, this could be a sign that the staff is not paying attention to cleaning. For example, if you notice the bathroom is unclean, such as hair or toothpaste building up in the sink, this could be a sign that the staff is not cleaning the bathroom as often as they should be.
Unmet basic needs
Unmet basic needs can signal that your loved one is not receiving proper care in the home. If you notice your loved one’s needs are not being met, this can be a sign that the staff is not doing their job. Some basic needs your loved one should be getting are food, water, medication, cleanliness, and rest. If you notice your loved one is not getting these basic needs, this can be a sign that they are not getting the care they need. It is essential to report this to the staff immediately.
Increase in bedsores
Bedsores are wounds on the skin that occur when a person stays in one position for too long. They typically develop when a person does not reposition themselves, and the blood flow is cut off. Bedsores are dangerous and can lead to infections and even death if not appropriately treated. If you notice your loved one has a bed sore, it is essential to report this to the staff immediately. This can signify that the staff is not repositioning your loved one and helping their blood flow. If you notice your loved one has stage 4 bedsores, report it to the staff immediately and have them treat it.
Financial exploitation
Financial exploitation is when someone takes advantage of your loved one’s money or property. This can include stealing their money, signing them up for services they do not want, or taking their money or property. If you notice your loved one is paying for services they do not need, such as getting a daily newspaper or magazines they do not read, this could be a sign of financial exploitation. If you notice sudden changes in your loved one’s spending, such as they are suddenly spending a lot of money or they are spending money on something they do not usually spend money on, this again could be a sign of financial exploitation.
Conclusion
Nursing home neglect is a serious issue that can lead to serious and sometimes deadly consequences. These signs can lead to severe and occasionally fatal consequences if they are not appropriately treated.
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