Nursing homes provide a much-needed service to communities. Their skilled nursing staff provides 24-hour care to ensure the safety and well-being of the elderly.
Most nursing homes go above and beyond in the care they provide, often treating residents as their own family. However, neglect in some facilities remains a serious problem. It may be harder to identify because it’s more subtle than outright abuse. Learning to recognize the signs can help you take action to protect your loved ones and ensure they receive quality care.
Neglect versus abuse
While abuse is an intentional act of harm, neglect happens when a caregiver fails to provide a resident’s basic needs, such as adequate nutrition, personal hygiene, medical care or a safe environment. Several factors can contribute to neglect in a nursing home, including understaffing, lack of training or systemic problems within the facility itself.
Neglect can be just as damaging as physical abuse, as it can lead to serious health complications, mental anguish and poor quality of life.
Neglect often manifests physically, so pay close attention to your loved one’s appearance. If they have experienced significant weight loss, it could mean that they’re not receiving adequate nutrition or assistance with eating. A dry mouth, chapped lips and sunken eyes may be a sign of dehydration.
Poor hygiene is another indicator of neglect. Dirty clothes, noticeable body odor, unkempt hair, untrimmed nails, unbrushed teeth or dirty dentures suggest that the staff are not providing help to your loved one with their personal care.
Bedsores (pressure ulcers) are one of the most common and severe signs of neglect. Pressure ulcers typically appear on bony areas like the hips, tailbone and heels if a person remains in one position for too long. The presence of new bedsores, or if they continue to worsen, indicates that the nursing staff isn’t taking the time to reposition the resident or provide medical treatment.
You are your loved one’s primary advocate. If you notice the signs of neglect, you must take action. Document all your observations and discuss your concerns with nursing staff, the director of nursing or the administrator. Request a care plan that addresses your issues.
If you’re not satisfied with the nursing home’s response, or if conditions fail to improve, contact the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS). They’re responsible for inspecting nursing homes and investigating reports of neglect and abuse. If your loved one has been harmed due to neglect, speak with someone who can review your case and pursue justice on their behalf.