Nursing homes don’t always care for patients in the way that they should; however, not all issues are forms of outright abuse. In some cases, family members have to be on the lookout for signs of neglect instead of obvious abuse. Spotting these problems might not be so easy, so you have to keep careful watch over what’s going on.
One problem that can point to neglect is that the person isn’t being housed in a clean location. Anything unsanitary, such as soiled sheets remaining on the resident’s bed or eating areas not being properly cleaned, signals that there are issues with regulation compliance and cleanliness.
Another issue is a lack of personal hygiene. When residents can’t perform these tasks on their own, it is up to the staff members to help them. This includes everything from assistance with toileting to help with picking out clothing that is suitable for the day or the outing. Be wary if your loved one has a body odor, unclean teeth or seems to be unkempt.
Lack of mobility is another problem. Many nursing home residents need to have help when they are moving around. Some of them might only need a walker, but others may need to have a person to help them. When they need a worker to move about, not having someone around could mean they can’t go to the toilet or make it to the dining area. This can lead to injuries if they fall because they become desperate enough to try to move about on their own.
Residents might also suffer from dehydration and malnutrition, which can both lead to significant medical issues. They can also cause weakness, which can lead to them stumbling or falling.
If you suspect that your loved one isn’t being cared for properly in a nursing home, you need to take swift action. This might include taking legal action against the facility.
