Missouri residents with loved ones in nursing homes do not want to consider that their loved ones could be being abused. Nursing home neglect is a nationwide issue that can lead to death and permanent injuries for residents.
If you suspect your loved one is being neglected in a nursing home, you should take legal action and get proper attention for him or her. There are ways to spot nursing home negligence before it’s too late.
What are some common signs of neglect?
Nursing home neglect may be obvious or subtle depending on what tasks are being neglected as well as the individual resident’s mannerisms. And not every resident in a nursing home will be neglected in the same way.
If a nursing home resident is progressively becoming more confused or disoriented, that’s a huge reason for concern. Either something may be wrong with his or her medication, or it could be a sign of other neglect.
Another common indication of nursing home neglect is physical decline. If your loved one is having more trouble walking, sitting up or going to the bathroom by him or herself, that may be a sign that the nursing home staff isn’t taking him or her for walks or helping him or her leave the bed as much it should be.
Other signs of physical decline include things like weight loss and extreme body odor. Body odor may indicate that your loved one is not being bathed properly, and weight loss could mean he or she is not getting enough food.
Some signs of severe neglect may include sudden injuries, like broken bones or bruises. Nursing home residents are also prone to developing bedsores and rashes from not being lifted from their beds as often as they need to be.
What are some ways to avoid nursing home neglect?
Reviewing the nursing home thoroughly before placing your loved one there is the obvious first step. Other steps include knowing your loved one’s care plan and being in frequent communication with the staff.
However, nursing home neglect can come out of nowhere regardless of how involved you are. It’s important to report any signs of neglect that you see and contact an attorney as soon as possible.