It is not always easy to make the decision to put an elderly loved one in a nursing home. Families in Connecticut will often visit many nursing homes to inspect their conditions, policies and caretakers before choosing the facility that they believe will best meet their loved one’s needs. Unfortunately, nursing home neglect and abuse can still take place, putting the physical and mental health of the resident at stake.
There are some signs families can look for that may point to nursing home abuse and neglect:
One is unexplained contusions and broken bones. Such injuries can occur if residents try to accomplish tasks alone, because they aren’t being adequately assisted by staff. This could lead to falls, which can be deadly.
Bed sores are another indicator that a nursing home resident is not being properly cared for. Bed sores can occur if a person remains in one position for an extended period of time. They are a treatable and preventable injury, so their appearance may mean that the resident is not being moved or is not receiving adequate medical care.
Another sign of nursing home neglect is poor hygiene. Many nursing home residents are unable to perform basic hygiene tasks. When a resident seems dirty or disheveled, it could mean the staff is neglecting the resident’s hygiene needs. Similarly, nursing home residents often have special dietary needs. If a resident’s diet is insufficient, he or she could quickly lose weight. The failure to abide by a nutrition plan or address rapid weight loss could also be a sign of neglect.
Neglected or abused nursing home residents can also sustain psychological distress. They may start to retreat from socializing with others or have trouble discussing the issues they are dealing with.
Abuse and neglect on the part of nursing home staff can lead to serious health issues. When this happens, it is important to hold the nursing home legally responsible. By taking legal action, victims of nursing home abuse and neglect can seek the compensation they need to be whole again and can hopefully deter such events from happening in the future.
