5 Common Examples of Nursing Home Neglect in Facilities
Nursing home neglect is a form of abuse in nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and other long-term care settings. Neglect occurs when a caregiver fails to provide a resident’s basic needs, such as food, water, shelter, medical care, or personal hygiene.
Neglect can also occur when a caregiver does not provide adequate supervision, or a facility fails to staff its facility adequately. In a 2020 World Health Organization (WHO) report, 12 percent of nursing home staff neglected the residents’ needs. But what are the common examples of neglect?
1. Leaving Patients with Mobility Issues Alone
Patients unable to move independently are at a higher risk of developing bedsores, also known as pressure ulcers. When left alone, these patients may be unable to turn themselves to avoid bedsores, which can become infected.
Infected bedsores can lead to sepsis, a potentially life-threatening condition. They can become infected and lead to sepsis, a potentially life-threatening infection. People who are paralyzed or have other conditions that limit their mobility are at the most risk of developing bedsores.
2. Inability to Call the Doctors as Needed
Patients unable to communicate their needs are at a greater risk of complications related to their illness. For example, patients who cannot call the doctor when they feel unwell may risk becoming dehydrated or getting an infection.
Poor communication can also lead to medication errors. For instance, a patient who does not understand how to take their medication may take too much or too little, which can lead to serious health consequences.
3. Not Enough Food or Water
Patients who cannot communicate their needs are at risk for dehydration and malnutrition because they may not be able to tell someone when they are thirsty or hungry. They may also be unable to tell someone when they are losing fluids or not getting enough nutrients.
Dehydration and malnutrition can both lead to several serious health problems. If left untreated, they can cause organ damage and, in severe cases, death. Providing enough food and water to residents in an assisted living institution is essential.
4. Unable to Change Bedding or Clothing Regularly
Patients who cannot communicate their needs may not be able to tell someone when they need their bedding or clothing changed. It can lead to the patient sitting or lying in the same soiled bedding or clothing for long periods, leading to skin breakdown and other health problems.
Caregivers must take the time to regularly check on patients who cannot communicate and make sure that they are comfortable and their needs are being met. If you have a loved one who cannot speak, talk to their doctor about the best way to care for them.
5. Leaving Injuries Untreated
Patients who cannot communicate may have injuries they have sustained that they cannot tell anyone about. Caregivers must be vigilant in checking patients for injuries and ensuring they are treated.
If you have any concerns about the care that your loved one is receiving, it is essential to talk to their doctor. If you are unsatisfied with the care your loved one receives, you must speak with the facility administrator.
Conclusion
As we age, we become more vulnerable to many things. We are more susceptible to developing health conditions, more vulnerable to falling, and more vulnerable to becoming victims of abuse. If you are worried about a loved one in a nursing home, it is essential to know some warning signs. Many of these signs are indicative of abuse or neglect. If you suspect abuse, you should contact the authorities.
Bossie, Reilly, and Oh is a law firm specializing in helping clients get the best possible compensation for legal actions relating to injuries sustained from nursing homes, hospitals, group homes, and assisted living facilities. Our injury lawyers in Phoenix have extensive litigation and trial experience, negotiating substantial awards in the courtroom. Request a consultation with the best accident lawyers in Phoenix today.