1. Physical Indicators
The first—and arguably most obvious—sign of nursing home neglect is physical symptoms of mistreatment. This may include things like bedsores (also called pressure ulcers) from prolonged immobility. These often present on the parts of the resident that have been in contact with the bed: the back of the head, back, elbows, buttocks, and heels. Bedsores can be easily prevented with regular mobility assistance; when a resident presents with bedsores, this is a frequent common indication of nursing home neglect.
Secondly, be on the lookout for unexplained injuries: bruises, burns, fractures, and so forth. Vulnerable residents are especially susceptible to these sorts of injuries, which can result from tripping hazards, improperly maintained or secured equipment, and/or an uninhabitable living environment. While not all unexplained injuries are indicative of nursing home negligence, they should elicit a heightened level of concern.
Finally, be on the lookout for signs of malnutrition or dehydration, including sudden weight loss, dry skin, and/or fatigue. Any of these signs of poor health may indicate neglect on the part of nursing home staff members and should be brought to their attention. In cases of ongoing or worsening physical harm, you may wish to speak to a nursing home neglect lawyer to review your legal options.
To speak to a nursing home neglect lawyer, call (516) 745 5490.
2. Hygiene Issues
The proper care of residents in long-term care facilities includes basic human hygiene. The Department of Health and Human Services notes that dirty clothing, matted hair, or long and unkempt nails are all signs of physical abuse and neglect. Family members should take note of any persistent hygiene issues, particularly if they present in concurrence with any of the other symptoms listed here.
Persistent body odor or untreated wounds may further indicate neglect and abusive behavior at the resident’s assisted living facility. These symptoms are not “normal,” even for extremely frail and vulnerable residents. They may also indicate physical abuse or even sexual abuse in addition to neglect. Always say something to nursing home staff as soon as you feel they are slipping.
If hygiene issues persist—and if they occur alongside any of the other signs listed here—you may wish to take legal action. Call Grennan Law today to discuss your nursing home neglect case: (516) 745 5490.
Read More: New York State Department of Health Nursing Home Complaint Form
3. Behavioral Changes
Not all signs of nursing home negligence will present physically. In some cases, in particular those also involving sexual abuse and/or financial abuse, you may first notice behavioral changes in your loved one. It can be difficult to notice these shifts if the resident has memory issues or struggles to communicate. For this reason, it’s important that family members and facility staff be aware whenever there is a withdrawal from social interactions or activities. These may also be accompanied by sudden mood swings, depression, and/or anxiety.
It is normal to observe small changes in behavior based on situational changes: a change in routine, the death of a loved one, or a new physical discomfort may result in a temporary change in mood. Ongoing social withdrawal, depression, or persistent changes in mood—particularly if there is no clear reason—may be a cause of concern.
If you have observed these signs in your loved one, we encourage you to dig deeper to see if the reason for their behavioral shift is nursing home neglect. (One strong indicator of this is a reluctance to speak openly in the presence of staff members.)
Behavioral health is a cornerstone of your loved one’s general health care. If you have noticed a change in behavior in your loved one living in a nursing home, call Grennan Law to discuss your case: (516) 745 5490.
4. Environmental Red Flags
Some signs of neglect are physical or behavioral, and other signs are more general. Be on the lookout for environmental red flags that can indicate nursing home abuse and neglect, including unsanitary living spaces. This may present in the form of foul odors, pest infestations, unclean bathroom and kitchen facilities, tripping hazards, and dangerously hot or cold quarters. Any one of these may be indicative of negligence on the part of the nursing home.
In some severe cases, you may also notice unsafe living spaces. This could mean exposed wiring, piles of garbage that create tripping hazards, unventilated rooms, poorly lit emergency exits, and/or uneven flooring. Finally, be sure to monitor air quality, as well as smoke alarms and carbon monoxide monitors for functionality. Any of these signs could lead to a dangerous or even deadly situation.
If you have noticed any of the above environmental red flags, be sure to speak to the nursing home facility immediately to make sure they can be addressed. If the situation continues unchanged, or grows worse, you may wish to pursue legal action. Call Grennan Law to speak to a nursing home neglect lawyer: (516) 745 5490.
5. Medical Concerns
Finally, and perhaps most worryingly, untreated medical conditions can be a sign of nursing home abuse and neglect. Any of the signs listed above, compounded over time, can lead to persistent illness, viral infections, physical injuries (bone breaks, fractures, brain injuries, etc.), as well as worsening mental health.
Of course, medical conditions are relatively common among a nursing home population; in some cases, a medical condition may have been the reason for eldercare in the first place. We recommend that you stay vigilant for rapidly worsening health conditions that present in concurrence with any of the signs of neglect listed above. A lack of access to necessary medical aids—like glasses, medications, or mobility devices—may also worsen existing medical issues.
