Due to the demands of life, you are not always able to provide the care your loved one needs. So, you make the difficult decision of placing them in a nursing home, trusting they will be safe and well-cared for. Despite what these facilities may promise, neglect and abuse sometimes occur, hidden from the watchful eyes of the residents’ families.
The risks of nursing home neglect
Lapses in supervision, whether due to understaffing or poor training, can lead to serious, sometimes life-threatening incidents for residents. Falls, medication errors or a resident wandering off are real risks that may arise when nursing homes fail to meet the standard of care. Alarmingly, these are actual scenarios that a number of families have unfortunately had to experience.
You might not be able to stand guard personally, but you can still take steps to secure your loved one’s well-being.
Recognizing the signs of neglect
Neglect in nursing homes takes on many forms. During your visits, keep an eye out for sudden shifts in behavior, a decline in personal hygiene, symptoms of malnutrition, unexplained injuries and other notable changes. These warning signs may indicate that something is wrong.
Advocating for your loved one’s care
Your vigilance, even from afar, may be pivotal in ensuring that your loved one receives the care they need. Even if you are not physically there, you can stay engaged. Consider familiarizing yourself with the nursing home’s procedures for preventing and responding to accidents. Ask questions about how they handle the unique needs of their residents.
If you suspect that your loved one is not receiving adequate care, you can bring your concerns to their attention. Should your complaint fall on deaf ears, consider having a legal professional stand up for your loved one in court. It can be a tough and frustrating situation when a nursing home refuses to cooperate, but securing an experienced attorney may bring results.
While the facility must meet the daily needs of your loved one, your ongoing involvement is essential in reinforcing the standard of care they deserve.