Nursing Home Neglect: What Is It & What Are Its Types?
Nursing home neglect is a serious issue that affects the elderly and disabled in nursing homes across the United States. Unfortunately, this type of mistreatment often goes undetected.
If you have a concern about nursing home neglect, read on through this guide below.
What Is a Nursing Home Neglect?
Nursing home neglect is a serious issue that affects elderly people living in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities. It is defined as a failure to provide the necessary care and attention that a resident needs to maintain their health and safety. Neglect can take many forms, including physical, emotional, and financial exploitation.
What Are the Types of Nursing Home Neglect?
1. Emotional Neglect
Emotional neglect is when a resident is not provided with the emotional support that they need. This can include ignoring their emotional needs, not responding to their requests for help, or not providing them with the companionship and social interaction they need.
This type of neglect can have a profound impact on a resident’s mental health and well-being, leading to depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues.
2. Medical Neglect
Medical neglect is when a resident is not provided with the medical care that they need. This can include failing to provide medications, failing to take a resident to medical appointments, or failing to provide timely medical intervention when needed. Medical neglect can have serious consequences, including pain, illness, and even death.
3. Basic Needs Neglect
Basic needs neglect occurs when the staff at a nursing home fails to provide the elderly person with the necessities of life, such as food, water, shelter, and clothing. This neglect can lead to the elderly becoming dehydrated, malnourished, and at risk of hypothermia.It can also lead to severe medical conditions such as bedsores and infections.
4. Hygiene Neglect
Hygiene neglect occurs when the staff at a nursing home fails to provide the elderly person with adequate hygiene care. This type of neglect can lead to the elderly person becoming unkempt and unclean, leading to infections and other medical issues. It can also lead to the elderly person feeling embarrassed and ashamed.
What Are the Signs of a Nursing Home Neglect?
Signs of nursing home neglect can include physical, emotional, and financial abuse. Physical signs may include bedsores, malnutrition, dehydration, or a sudden decline in physical health. Emotional signs may include depression, anxiety, fear, or a sudden change in behavior. Financial signs may include unexplained charges on bank statements or a sudden lack of funds.
It is also essential to pay attention to the environment of the nursing home. If the facility is dirty or unkempt, it may be a sign of neglect.
Additionally, if the staff members appear to be overworked or lack compassion, it could be a sign that the facility needs to provide adequate care for its residents.
If you suspect your loved one is being neglected in a nursing home, it is vital to take action immediately. You should contact the facility and make sure that your loved one is receiving the care they need
If the facility is unable or unwilling to provide adequate care, you should contact the local authorities and report the neglect.
Final Thoughts
It’s important for family members and friends of elderly loved ones to be vigilant and aware of the signs of nursing home neglect. If you suspect that your loved one is being neglected, report it to the proper authorities immediately.
In addition, it’s essential to visit your loved one regularly and be aware of any changes in their health or behavior. Once you see any signs of neglect, it’s crucial to take action and get help right away.
Do you need a nursing home abuse lawyer? Our team at Bossie, Reilly, & Oh can help you. Our primary reason is to ensure nursing homes, hospitals, group homes, and assisted living facilities are accountable for the abuse and neglect of elders and vulnerable adults. Book a consultation to get started today.