Signs of Neglect in a Nursing Home

Neglect is a serious concern. The National Library of Medicine defines neglect as “the refusal or failure of a caregiver to fulfill his or her obligations or duties.” And according to Ballard Brief, over 64.2% of nursing care staff reported they had committed some form of abuse in the past year.

Often, this is due to the poor patient-to-staff ratios and undertraining of staff, the main contributors to these problems. In other cases, the staff member may lack the empathy to provide residents with the care and respect they deserve. However, when you leave a loved one in the care of an assisted care facility, you expect their needs to be met.

Neglectful behaviors are defined as a disregard for the health and safety of an individual and can continue for years without any intervention from friends or family members. For that reason, spotting the signs of nursing home neglect is important to get help for these residents.

Indicators Neglect Is Occurring in Long-Term Care Facilities

Neglect in nursing homes is a serious issue that can lead to significant physical and psychological damage to residents. Unfortunately, these cases of nursing home abuse go unreported according to the United States Justice Department.

You will want to be aware of what to look for to ensure the safety and well-being of your loved ones. Here are some key signs of nursing home neglect:

Poor Personal Hygiene

Residents in nursing homes often need help with personal hygiene. If a resident’s hygiene starts showing signs of deterioration, it could be a sign of neglect.

You will want to look for a few visible signs, such as:

• Unkempt hair
• Unbrushed teeth
• Unclipped nails
• Dirty clothes
• Soiled bed linens

Sometimes, these issues could be a one-off issue. However, if it is happening consistently, that could indicate a problem.

Poor hygiene can lead to skin conditions and serious infections.

Unsanitary Living Conditions

When the resident is in their room, it should be a clean and safe space. Dirty clothing and bedding, unsanitary bathroom areas, or garbage in their room may be another indicator of neglect.

Not only do these conditions create a dangerous environment for the resident, but they can also contribute to widespread issues throughout the facility. These unsanitary conditions can lead to an increase in insects and rodents.

If those infestations are left untreated, they can spread diseases to other residents in the home.

Loss or Lack of Mobility

Over time, it is natural for older residents to lose mobility. However, it is up to the caregivers and other staff members to assist with exercise and movements. If they don’t perform these duties, residents can experience mobility loss. In turn, that can contribute to muscle atrophy and other health issues.

Regular exercise is vital to maintaining a person’s physical and emotional health. When an individual is neglected, not only can that affect their independence, but it also leads to a decrease in their quality of life.

Physical Issues from Lack of Nutrition

When someone is neglected, there are often signs of malnutrition or dehydration. Nursing home residents rely on others to make meals that meet their nutritional needs.

Additionally, these meals must also adhere to their specialty dietary requirements. If the staff is negligent and fails to provide a resident with adequate nutrition, it can cause physical symptoms.

An individual may experience:

• Fatigue
• Dizziness
• Sudden weight loss
• Confusion

When someone does not have the proper nutrition, it can lead to a weakened immune system. In turn, they can become susceptible to illnesses and infections. Malnutrition and dehydration are factors in a few other health issues, such as:

• Decreased bone mass
• Poor wound healing
• Muscle weakness

Changes in Behavior

Behavioral changes in a nursing home resident can be an indicator of neglect. They may include:

• Withdrawal is often characterized by a lack of interest in activities the resident once enjoyed. They may avoid social interactions and spend excessive amounts of time alone.
• Agitation, restlessness, irritability, or even aggressive behavior can be a response to unmet needs or frustrations stemming from someone neglecting them.
• Pacing, rocking, trouble sleeping, or changes in eating habits can be a resident’s way of coping with neglect or expressing their distress.
• Depression is a common mental health issue that can result from being neglected. These symptoms can include persistent sadness, loss of interest in activities, difficulty sleeping, and changes in appetite.
• Anxiety is another mental health issue that can result from neglect. Symptoms can include excessive worry, restlessness, and trouble concentrating.

Unexplained Injuries or Illnesses

Often, neglected residents may develop unexplained illnesses or injuries, primarily bedsores. All these issues can be a sign of neglect in a nursing home. Many times, these problems stem from improper medical care, rough handling, or even physical abuse.

Unexplained injuries or illnesses can lead to a decrease in the resident’s health and well-being. It can also lead to a lack of trust in the nursing home staff.

Do These Signs Always Point to Neglect?

No, these signs do not always mean someone is being neglectful toward your loved one. They are indicators that could suggest that a loved one is being neglected but could also be due to other factors.

For example, behavior changes could result from a medical condition or medication side effects.

Also, poor personal hygiene could be due to a resident’s choice or a temporary lapse in self-care.

In any case, you will want to consider the overall context and pattern of behavior. If these signs are persistent or multiple signs present, it could indicate a problem.

Being vigilant and proactive can protect your loved ones from neglect in nursing homes. It’s always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to the welfare of our elderly family members.

If you have any doubts or concerns, seek help. There are many resources available to assist you, including elder care advocates, social workers, and legal professionals.

You can take action to stop nursing home neglect and abuse. We’re hopeful that knowing the signs of neglect in a nursing home will help you on your path to do that.

And if you’re ready to take action, please get in touch today.