3 Signs Of Potential Elder Neglect

If you have a parent or family member who is of advanced age and has advanced medical conditions, you can't always take care of them on your own. That is why so many people trust nursing homes to look after their elderly parents or family members. Nursing homes are supposed to be safe spaces for elderly individuals who need a high level of care and attention.

Sadly, not all nursing homes are the safe places that they are designed to be. Sometimes, the very place that you trusted to look after your loved one is the same place that causes your loved one harm. If you have trusted a nursing home with a loved one, it is important to be aware of the signs of neglect, so you can step in and change care for your loved one while you also pursue a personal injury lawsuit against the nursing home in charge of their care.

Sign #1: Lack of Personal Hygiene

It is true that as you age, your body odor can change as well. However, your loved one should still be clean. They should be wearing clean clothes, their skin should be clean, and their hair should be washed. Their teeth or dentures should also be clean.

Nursing homes have staff in place to help their residents' bathe and get dressed in clean clothing every day. If you notice over multiple visits that your family member smells dirty and is wearing old, stained clothing, that is a clear sign of neglect. They should be getting help with these tasks.

Sign #2: Signs of Dehydration and Malnutrition

The nursing home is responsible not just for providing your loved one with food, but with making sure that your loved one eats the food that is provided to them. They are responsible for keeping your loved one hydrated and well-fed.

If you notice that your loved one is losing unexplained weight that isn't related to a health condition and/or is always thirsty and hungry when you visit, the nursing home may be neglecting to properly feed your loved one, which is one of their core responsibilities.

Sign #3: Untreated Health Conditions

A nursing home is designed to provide more than a bed for your loved one. A nursing home is designed to provide for your loved one's health. They should take care of any existing health issues your loved one has by providing medication, proper nutrition, and any potential rehab your loved one needs. They should also work to prevent common elderly health conditions, such as bed sores. If your loved one's health is being neglected, they need to be moved somewhere safe right away.

If your loved one is being neglected in a nursing home, you need to gather evidence of the abuse and pursue a personal injury lawsuit against the nursing home. You also need to get your loved one moved to a better nursing home that will take care of your loved one's needs.

For more information, contact a local personal injury lawyer.