When considering the ways that nursing home patients can suffer from neglect or abuse, many people don't realize that psychological abuse is perpetuated on some residents by staff or even other residents. This is particularly challenging to identify and prove when it's suspected.
Psychological abuse can be directed to nursing home patients
Are bedsores ever an acceptable consequence in nursing homes?
If you have a loved one who is a patient in a nursing home or other long term care facility, you likely worry a great deal about the care that they receive. Is it sufficient? Are their needs being met? Are their caregivers treating them well?
Are bruises always a sign of elder abuse?
As people age, it's true that they may bruise more easily. The kinds of bumps and scratches you'd ignore and forget about as a teen or young adult become much more obvious over the years. As an elderly person, bruising happens very easily due to thin skin, medications and other causes.
Dehydration is a risk and could be a sign of neglect
Nursing home abuse is something that can, and does, happen in some nursing homes. It's unfortunate, but patients who rely on medical care and support may not receive even the basic attention that they need.
'Flipping' nursing homes increases the risk to patients
One thing that has the potential to lead to nursing home abuse is a lack of oversight and regular staff changes. When a nursing home changes hands, it can leave the staff and the patients without the necessary support that they need.
Protecting the vulnerable residents in nursing homes
It was an agonizing decision to place your loved one in a nursing home. Still, you believe that it was the best decision that you could make since their dementia required a level of caregiving that you were ill-equipped to provide.
Infectious disease: The dirty secret of nursing homes
At any given time, there are more than 5 million residents of long-term care facilities here in the United States. For most, this will be their last residence here on Earth. Even for those whose health dictates a temporary stay, the conditions they encounter at these nursing homes and skilled nursing facilities could shorten their lives precipitously.
Falls need to be addressed in a nursing home's care setting
One of the most important things for nursing homes to do is to prevent their elderly residents from falling. Falls are a major health concern and tend to be common among the elderly.
If your loved one is malnourished, it could be neglect
There is one thing that you never expected to see after just a few weeks away from the nursing home. When you walked into your mother's room, she looked frail. When you got closer, you realized how poorly her clothing fit. What happened? Why, in the few weeks you were away, did she lose so much weight?
What is the difference between nursing home abuse and neglect?
Would you know if your elderly family member was being abused in their nursing home? You might think that you would, especially if they appeared bruised or had other suspicious injuries.
