Nursing home abuse and neglect can’t be ignored

Having a loved one who is in a nursing home means that your loved one is trusting that the staff members will do what they need to help with every aspect of their care. Many nursing home employees are in the business because they truly care about the residents. However, there are some employees who are all about the money.

When a nursing home employee is reporting to work simply to collect a paycheck, there could be problems. Some of these employees just don’t take care of the residents in the manner they should. Unfortunately, the residents are the ones who suffer when this happens.

Nursing home resident neglect is serious

Because of the level of care that some nursing home residents need, they can’t be left to fend for themselves. Some residents, such as those with dementia, might not remember to eat meals or take medications. In these cases, the employees must step in to help them remember. Failing to do so can lead to the resident facing malnourishment or dehydration.

Even normal tasks, such as bathing, dressing or going to the toilet are beyond the capabilities of some nursing home residents. Failing to bathe can lead to infections and other problems. Not dressing appropriately can lead to temperature-related conditions, such as hypothermia or hyperthermia. Not helping a resident go to the toilet could lead to accidents that might cause infections. Failing to reposition a bedridden patient can result in painful and potentially life-threatening pressure ulcers, more commonly known as bedsores.

Nursing home abuse is also a serious problem

Nursing home abuse can come in the physical form, but it can also occur in other ways. Financial, sexual and emotional abuse are also possible. All of these are very serious and can have lasting effects on the resident. Broken bones, bruises and other injuries might occur when nursing home staff members are abusive the residents in their care. Such injuries can also be signs of neglect, such as a fractures from falling while walking or moving from the bed to wheelchair. In some cases, residents who ensure this horrendous treatment will need medical intervention and long-term medical care, and some might need mental health care.

If you think that something is amiss with a loved one in a nursing home, you should try to find ways to determine what is going on so that you can take steps to stop it. Ultimately, you might have to file a complaint with the nursing home and take legal action. With your involvement and the help of an attorney, your loved one might be able to seek financial compensation for what he or she suffered due to the nursing home neglect or abuse. Such lawsuits can also deter simillar mistreatment and force care facilities to mend their ways.