How to Recognize Signs of Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect

Many older adults are at risk for nursing home abuse and neglect. Staffing problems in facilities result in poor supervision and low quality of care by under qualified caregivers. There are many things that constitute physical abuse or neglect such as: neglecting a patient's need for cleanliness and good hygiene, lack of adequate supervision for patients at risk of falling, low quality of personal care, patients not encouraged to eat or drink fluids and excessive bed sores.

Due to increased regulations in California, the number of incidences of abuse and neglect are degreasing rapidly. A study by the California Healthcare Foundation determined that between 2001 and 2004, the number of citations issued to nursing homes and long-term care facilities has decreased. Standards of healthcare that are monitored and enforced will prevent a lot of cases of nursing home abuse and neglect from occurring.

Two reasons were cited for a majority of the cases of nursing home abuse and neglect: poor staff-to-patient ratio and overusing physical restraint. Inadequate staffing is a major concern and constitutes low quality of care. Many times facilities operate with less than enough caregivers and nurses and must "make-do" on a regular basis. One caregiver may be assigned to 10 or more patients on an average shift at any given time. Facilities with budget problems are reluctant to hire substitute caregivers from temporary staffing agencies due to the high cost.

Physical restraints include being tied down in bed or with all the rails up, left in a wheelchair with locks on the wheels or something preventing the patient from being able to move around.

If a family member observes any signs that may indicate abuse of neglect by nursing home staff or caregivers, contact a qualified lawyer. Patients that have suffered abuse and neglect deserve to be compensated at the expense of their abusers.

Signs and Symptoms of Nursing Home Abuse Include:

Physical Assault

Sexual Assault

Slapping, hitting, pushing, shaking a patient

Patient being over-medicated to control behavior

Failure to protect from patient from falling or other injuries

Patient rooms not being clean, patients having bad body odor or smelling of urine

Failing to provide water or food, access to emergency help such as patient call button

Patient Behavior That May Indicate Abuse Concerns:

Patient who is withdrawn or sullen

Hesitant to talk when caregivers are around

Caregiver restricts the patient's contact with others

Seniors and disabled adults are vulnerable and unable to protect themselves in these situations. Many times they suffer in silence thinking no one would believe them. If you believe your loved one may have suffered such abuses report it immediately.

By prosecuting cases of nursing home abuse and neglect, we are making long-term care facilities safer for future residents and discouraging victims from remaining silent. Increasing standards and raising the level of care patient's receive in facilities will one day end such violations.

Resources:

California department of Consumer AffairsA Citizen's Guide To Preventing and Reporting Elder Abuse