Can you prevent various forms of nursing home neglect?

Putting your loved one in a nursing home may have been nerve wracking. You put your trust in the staff and facility. Even though you tried to pick the best possible home for your loved one, there is no real guarantee they will be safe and happy.

Finding out your loved one may have been neglected or even abused is horrifying. But could it have been prevented? What forms of neglect are most common in nursing homes?

Common types of neglect

There are a few various forms that neglect can take in a nursing home. These include:

• Medical: includes failure to administer medication or other medical-related care
• Basic needs: includes failure to provide reasonable food or water
• Hygiene: includes failure to bathe, clean or otherwise take care of grooming needs
• Social: includes leaving resident by themselves too often

All of these types of neglect are serious and cause for action. There are several ways someone can detect whether or not their loved one is suffering from neglect. Malnutrition, bedsores, poor mood, poor physical environment and falls, among other signs are all indications of neglect.

How is it preventable?

The main responsibility for preventing neglect falls onto the nurses and other caretakers that work at the facility. However, there are a few ways you can do your part to ensure the facility is taking the best care of your loved ones.

Keeping a close eye on the physical condition of the facility, arranging “surprise” visits to your loved ones and carefully vetting the facility beforehand are all ways you can help protect the people you care about.

Neglect is entirely preventable and no one should have to suffer from it. If you suspect someone you love is being neglected or abused at their nursing home, you may want to contact an attorney. They can help you get justice and figure out the situation.