Having a loved one in a long-term care facility means that you place your trust in the hands of the staff members. Those individuals have to provide care that’s not possible for the person to receive at home. The care plan is set based on the resident’s needs.
While most residents receive appropriate care, neglect is possible if the staff members miss any of the points in the care plan. Because of this, it’s critical that family members do what they can to monitor the resident in case something amiss is going on.
What is nursing home neglect?
Nursing home neglect is often more than one missed care task. It can include things like failing to help the resident with their hygiene or eating. Lack of proper toileting and mobility assistance are also possible. The key is that the nursing home staff neglected to perform the care duties necessary to keep the resident as healthy and safe as possible.
What signs of nursing home neglect should family members watch for?
There are a variety of signs that signal nursing home neglect. The ones that are noticeable will depend on what type of neglect is occurring.
Physical changes in the resident are often early warning signs. These include things like unexplained bruises or broken bones from falling if they aren’t getting the assistance they need with mobility. Frequent infections, declines in grooming, and sudden weight loss are also possible signs.
In some cases, the neglect is obvious because of behavioral changes, such as the resident becoming withdrawn. They may also seem quiet or upset around staff members who are mistreating them.
Keeping a record of any signs of neglect by nursing home staff members can be important in these cases. Some residents may decide to seek compensation for the damages they’ve suffered because of the neglect.