Three Signs That Your Senior Loved One Is Being Neglected In A Nursing Home
If you've got a senior loved one who's in the care of a nursing home, you probably already keep a sharp eye out for signs of abuse such as bruises and unexplained injuries, but you may not be aware that neglect can also take a toll on the elderly -- and it's not nearly as obvious as overt abuse. Following are seven potential signs that your elderly friend or relative who lives in a nursing home may the victim of neglect.
Substandard Grooming and Personal Hygiene
Dirty fingernails, clothing, unkempt hair, and a general air of dishevelment should be viewed as signs that your senior loved one may be experiencing neglect by nursing home staff. This condition is often accompanied by an overall rundown appearance of the facility itself. Are floors, walls, and other general surfaces dirty? Are furnishings dingy and frayed? Perhaps the best indication of neglect, however, is the other residents. If all or most of them appear to be in a similar state of neglect, it's time to pay a visit to the person who's in charge of ensuring that the residents of the nursing home are well cared for.
Malnutrition and Dehydration
Some estimates show that upwards of one-third of nursing home residents suffer from some form of malnutrition or dehydration. Causes include lack of individuated care plans for each resident, not enough staff, inadequate training for existing staff on geriatric nutrition, and high turnover among staff. Seniors who are on restricted diets are also at risk of suffering from malnutrition. Certain medications also play a role in decreased appetites and general lack of interest in food and beverages.
One of the obvious signs of malnutrition is, of course, weight loss, but you should also be on the lookout for the sudden onset of dental issues and unexplained bruising (after physical causes have been ruled out). Most nursing homes allow friends and family members to share meals with residents at least on an occasional basis, so try to do this now and then. If yours doesn't allow it, consider that a big red flag.
As with hygiene and grooming habits, the condition of other residents can serve as a indication of whether the situation is an isolated incident or an overall problem shared by all community residents. If it's an isolated incident, a visit to the facility's nutrition coordinator may provide motivation for staff to develop an individualized plan for your senior. If you suspect that all residents are suffering from malnutrition, it's time to schedule an appointment with a professional attorney who specializes in elder care issues.
Lack of Positive Interaction Between Staff and Residents
Another indication of possible nursing home negligence is the lack of positive interaction between nursing home staff and residents. Understaffed facilities often produce strained relations between staff and residents, so pay close attention to everyday interactions while you're visiting. Observing staff with other residents when they don't think you're watching provides a more accurate picture than the way they may act directly in front of you, so make your visits long enough so that you blend into the background.
Keep in mind that negligence isn't always the result of intentional actions -- if the facility is understaffed in an attempt to cut costs, you may have an actionable complaint even though no malice was intended. One of the best ways to prevent nursing home abuse or neglect is to be a regular presence in your elderly loved one's life. If you would like more information on strategies designed to help ensure your senior loved one's health, safety, and happiness in a nursing home environment, please feel free to contact the office of Bennett & Sharp PLLC at your earliest convenience.