Thursday, April 14, 2011

24 signs of nursing home abuse and neglect

I saw a commercial today for a law firm advising people to call if they or a family member suffered abuse or neglect in a nursing home. It made me think back to when a friend of mine died a year and a half ago. She had breast cancer in most of her bones, but had a decent appetite up until nearly the end. She was not neglected. But I am thinking back to the thin, elderly lady in the adjoining bed. On the visits I made, I noticed on more than one occasion that the staff would set down a full plate of steak and vegetables next to the lady. She ignored it. The staff eventually removed the untouched plate. I felt a sense of outrage that they were not trying harder to nourish her. Or maybe that was a form of hospice "care", such as not re-hydrating a terminally ill patient with an IV once they are no longer able to imbibe water by mouth. I still think somebody should have sat down with the elderly lady and spoon-fed her something she could stomach. Call me old-fashioned.


Signs of abuse and neglect:

The first questions to ask when identifying nursing home abuse:

  • Does your loved one have injuries or show physical signs of neglect?
  • Are your loved one’s complaints insistent and frequent?
  • Are objections directed at a particular nursing home staff member?
  • Has your loved one displayed unusual behavior changes?

General Signs of Abuse

  • Staff refuses to allow visitors to see resident, or delays in allowing visitors to see resident
  • Staff does not allow visitors to be alone with resident
  • Frequent arguments or tension between the caregiver and resident

Physical Abuse

  • Unexplained new or frequent injuries such as bruises, burns, cuts or broken bones
  • Bloody or stained clothing

Neglect

  • Complaints about painful blisters or abrasions
  • Bedsores
  • Poor hygiene
  • Weakness or inexplicable weight loss
  • Soiled bedding
  • Constant thirst or extremely dry skin
  • Hazardous or unsafe living conditions
  • Over-medication

Behavioral Changes

  • Sudden personality changes
  • Uncharacteristic anger, lack of interest, or anxiety
  • Fear of being alone
  • Overwhelming sadness and frequent crying
  • Change in alertness
  • Outright complaint
  • Rude or humiliating comments by staff

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