A report from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of Inspector General (OIG) says that 33% of seniors in skilled nursing facilities faced some form of abuse, neglect, or preventable injury.
Many cases of abuse or neglect are not reported, as elderly victims may be unable or unwilling to report them. It is important for the loved ones of the victim to keep an eye out for warning signs of abuse. This, along with the services of a skilled nursing home negligence lawyer, can help you get the justice you and the victim deserve.
9 Signs that a Loved One is a Victim of Nursing Home Negligence
To identify if a loved one is facing negligence in a nursing home, it is crucial to be attentive to potential signs of abuse and neglect. Some indicators are more apparent than others. If you suspect such issues, trust your instincts and seek answers.
Here are 9 potential signs of nursing home abuse or neglect:
1. Bedsores
Skin problems, like bedsores, can occur when a person remains in one position for too long. Starting as mild rashes, untreated bedsores can worsen into infected wounds, reaching down to the bone. Elderly individuals rely on staff to help them change positions regularly and prevent bedsores.
There is never a valid excuse for bedsores. They range in severity (stages 1 through 4) based on how long the person remains immobile. Symptoms begin with red, warm skin and progress to severe, infected wounds that can extend to the bone.
2. Frequent Urinary Tract Infections
Generally, nursing home residents most often suffer from urinary tract infections (UTIs). This UTIs can become a life-threatening illness if not treated properly. This might indicate dehydration or inadequate cleanliness in relation to catheterization.
Nursing homes have the responsibility to give proper care to their residents. For example, suppose your family member or beloved lone has experienced a severe urinary tract infection from the negligence of the nursing home. Then you can file a case against the negligent nursing home.
3. Severe Skin Irritations
Severe skin irritations can usually occur in the diaper region and are caused by prolonged exposure to urine and feces. If a nursing home resident frequently suffers from any skin infections or their repeated scratches, rashes, or lacerations do not get the proper hygiene, this could clearly reveal that the staff has neglected your beloved one’s personal hygiene or health with consequences that could become deadly later.
In this scenario, you should consult with an experienced nursing home abuse attorney who can guide you through legal options for defending your beloved one’s legal rights and getting fair compensation for their health condition.
4. Unexplained Injuries
There could be valid reasons for unexplained injuries (like fractures, dislocations, bandages, bruises, or scratches), as older individuals are more prone to accidents and injuries.
Nevertheless, such injuries should be looked into and clarified to ensure they’re not due to neglect, rough handling, or violence. Some residents are left alone without necessary assistance, which is a form of neglect that can result in harm.
5. Signs of Unnecessary Sedation
Unnecessary sedation occurs when the nursing home caretaker has given the resident unnecessary or excessive amounts of medication. All these medications can cause confused or excessively drowsy behavior (or sleeping much more than usual) in your loved one. It could also be linked to dosage problems or unmonitored side effects of other medications. This can usually happen intentionally or accidentally by the caretaker.
The following adverse effects that nursing home residents may experience from the unnecessary sedation:
- Dizziness
- Seizures
- Overdose
- Adverse drug reactions
- Death
- Fractures, falls, and other injuries caused by using unnecessary medication
Suppose you notice any of the above unusual side effects in your beloved one, then you are eligible to take action against the negligent nursing home. Moreover, your nursing home abuse lawyer will also guide you to keep your loved one safe.
6. Recent Decrease in Mobility
If your loved one can no longer move around independently as before, it could indicate insufficient exercise and muscle loss. This generally happens when the nursing home caretaker leaves the patient sitting in their wheelchairs or beds for longer periods, causing them to develop mobility problems. Remember that immobility in the nursing home can also result from the following health conditions:
- Malnutrition
- Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease
- Anxiety and depression
- Joint pain and muscle from arthritis and osteoporosis
- Fractures and broken bones from falls
- Parkinson’s disease
Suppose residents lay in their beds or sit in wheelchairs without being repositioned; this could cause pressure ulcers, which convert into bedsores. Keep in mind that nursing homes should have good policies and programs to keep residents physically active and mobile. If the nursing home fails to do so, then a family member of the injured resident can file a claim against them.
7. Lack of Cleanliness
Signs of inadequate hygiene include body odor (including the smell of urine or feces), soiled/torn clothes or a lack of clothing, unwashed/untidy hair, long nails, and more. This indicates they are not receiving regular care and the respect they deserve for their dignity.
8. Unexpected Weight Loss
This might indicate a lack of proper nutrition. Some assisted living facilities overlook the well-being of older residents by:
- Not providing regular meals throughout the day
- Offering insufficient food portions
- Serving meals lacking essential nutrients
Many seniors also require assistance with eating, and if they don’t receive the help they need, they might not get enough to eat. It could also signal feelings of sadness, which may be a sign of another form of mistreatment.
9. Indications of Dehydration
If your loved one expresses more than one of the following symptoms, it could suggest dehydration:
- Chapped lips
- Rare urination
- Discolored or strong-smelling urine
- Feeling dizzy
- Experiencing lightheadedness
- Frequent headaches
- Muscle cramps
- Consistent thirst
A nursing home negligence lawyer can initiate a claim or legal action for the harm your older family member has endured. They are committed to helping victims and their loved ones understand their rights and legal options.