Nursing homes and long term care facilities have become increasingly commonplace for loved ones to receive around the clock care. Although it can be a tough decision to make, sometimes an elderly relative is better off being cared for in a nursing home.
If you or a loved one are planning to be placed in a nursing home, it’s important that you do plenty of research to ensure your loved one is being cared for in the best way possible. Unfortunately, elderly people can fall victim to nursing home neglect, although its rare, it can happen.
Last week, two former nursing home assistants were indicted on patient abuse charges after authorities say they “sprayed a 94-year-old woman in the face with hairspray at a Canal Winchester facility and posted a video of it to social media.” Knowing the warning signs of nursing home neglect can mean life or death for someone you love.
Poor Personal Hygiene
Poor hygiene in nursing homes can take many forms and can be easily overlooked. Sadly, this is a common issue when it comes to elderly care. Residents are many times left unbathed in unclean clothes, left in diapers that are soiled and residents can often be left unattended for long periods of time. Before choosing a nursing home, always inspect and try to evaluate the living conditions of other residents.
Unsanitary Living Conditions
Unsanitary living conditions in nursing homes is a very common sign of negligence. This is usually a big indication that the facility workers are negligent understaffed. A good nursing home should be vigilant about keeping residents in sanitary living conditions. This can be a commonly overlooked issue in nursing homes.This type of negligence can lead to deadly health issues.
When choosing a nursing home facility there are several red flags you should look out for in order to ensure sanitary living conditions. Check all areas of the home that a patient would be able to frequent. This includes common living spaces as well as the patients private space. Make sure to check also check out places that are not so common, such as closets and elevators. Outdoor spaces such as patios and sidewalks should also be clean and free of hazards that could contribute to a slip or fall.
Unexplained Injuries
Unexplained injuries can be an immediate indication of physical abuse inside a nursing home. Broken bones, head injuries and bruises are a significant indication that neglect is taking place. These types of injuries can range from a fall that occurred because the patient wasn’t unassisted or the resident was negligently moved or forcefully touched by someone on the nursing staff. If a resident is frequently ill and the illness goes unreported to physicians and family members for a long period of time, this could also be a major red flag.
All illnesses should be promptly addressed and reported to family and the medical staff. Physical abuse in a nursing home is defined as an “intentional infliction of injury, unreasonable confinement, intimidation, care/service deprivation or punishment that results in physical harm, pain or mental anguish.”
If you or a loved one has recently suspected abuse and neglect, it’s important you contact authorities right away to report the abuse. You should also consider hiring contact an attorney that specializes in nursing home neglect.
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