Neglect is among the leading kinds of abuse in nursing homes. Some nursing homes fail to offer residents quality services as promised, a factor that can affect a resident’s health and overall well-being.
If you believe your loved one is being neglected in a long-term care facility, below are three signs to look for:
1. Poor personal hygiene
Nursing home staff members should help residents with personal hygiene, including brushing teeth, bathing, combing hair, trimming nails and changing clothes. A nursing home should hire enough professionals to ensure each resident receives the needed attention to avoid cases of residents being left in soiled clothing or with unkempt hair.
If your loved ones’ personal hygiene is poor, they may be experiencing neglect.
2. Bedsores
If a resident has a medical problem that makes it impossible for them to reposition themselves in bed or a wheelchair, they should be helped. Prolonged pressure on a particular body part can damage the skin and underlying tissue, resulting in bedsores if a resident is left in one position for a long time.
Bedsores are highly preventable. Their existence can be proof of neglect.
3. Unexplained weight loss
If a nursing home neglects to provide a resident with adequate food and liquids, cases of unexplained weight loss may be reported. Nursing homes should monitor a resident’s weight regularly. This way, if one records a significant weight loss, the facility can adjust their meals to maintain a healthy weight.
Residents who don’t get enough fluids may be dehydrated. Signs of dehydration are severe thirst, dry and pale skin, dry mouth and lips, difficulty walking, confusion, fatigue and dizziness.
Nursing home neglect can result in physical and emotional impacts. If your loved one has been neglected in a facility, legal guidance can help you fight for their rights.
