Nursing Home Neglect

Evidence indicates that nursing home abuse and negligence are on the rise. While 5.9 percent of all nursing homes were cited for abuse violations during their annual state inspections in 1996, those rates rose to 16 percent by 2000. Hundreds of elderly patients die as a result of caregivers who fail to provide them with necessary food and liquids and don't turn them in their beds to prevent life-threatening bedsores. More often than not, these problems arise as a result of stressful working conditions due to understaffing, lack of funding, staff burnout and improper training.

Often, relatives and friends don't know the circumstances in which their loved ones live. Some elderly residents are too embarrassed to say anything, while others feel intimidated, don't know they are being abused or neglected, or don't have the capacity to tell their family members how they are being treated.

Families and friends can help ensure the safety and well-being of loved ones in long-term care facilities by watching for symptoms of abuse which may include:

• Dehydration/malnutrition

• Bed sores

• Poor personal hygiene

• Begging for food

• Unsanitary living conditions

• Dirt, soiled bed, fecal or urine odor

• Open wounds, cuts, bruises or welts

• Cigarette or acid burns

• Inadequate explanation of patient condition by caregiver

• Weight loss

• Sudden change in resident's behavior

• Anxiety or agitation

• Extreme withdrawal

• Lack of communication

• Unusual behavior

There are additional steps you can take to ensure that your loved ones are not being abused or neglected in their residences. These include:

• Frequent visits scheduled at different times of day, varying days of the week and weekend, and during mealtimes to ensure that your relatives are not socially isolated; observing staff members, and making certain that the staff knows your family is involved and that a member might pop in at any time.

• Establishing networks of friends can be extremely helpful to residents who are capable of communicating. Making sure they contact each other at least once a week can help ward off social isolation, a breeding ground for abuse and neglect.

• Supervising the care residents receive can be invaluable in ensuring that your loved ones are taken care of properly. You should work with the nursing staff to develop a plan of care, making sure that it is implemented and that it works. Furthermore, you should maintain notes on the physical and mental condition of the resident, and examine medical records on a regular basis. It is also important to establish relationships with the nursing staffs and directors.

• Participating in activities at the nursing home and bringing young family members, such as grandchildren, may add excitement and joy to the life of relatives or friends.

• Initiating discussions with your relative or friend about daily living in the residence. If your loved one is unable to communicate with you or has a problem with impaired memory, try to speak with other residents, especially a neighbor or roommate who may be more aware of what is happening.

If you believe that you or someone close to you has been the victim of nursing home abuse or neglect it is imperative that you contact Steele Law as soon as possible.