It can be devastating for guardians to know their loved one is facing mistreatment in their nursing home. According to the World Health Organization, around 1 in 6 adults ages 60 and older suffered some form of abuse in a community-based setting in the past year.
Fortunately, guardians may be able to spot warning signs that a facility might be harmful before they place their loved one in their care.
Red flags a nursing home may deliver inadequate care
Here is what caregivers may want to look out for:
- Nursing home administration refuses to answer or deflects questions.
- The staff seem frantic, unavailable and unprofessional.
- There is a high level of employee turnover.
- Residents seem scared of some staff members.
- Utilities and equipment in the facility seem unsafe or outdated
- Phone calls are continually being unanswered.
- Residents look dehydrated and malnourished.
- The guardian has a bad gut feeling.
Assessing the quality of a facility is important
Guardians can help make sure their elderly loved ones have a happy and healthy experience as they transition into the end of their lives. Those who endured mistreatment in an assisted living facility may want to contact a knowledgeable and diligent elder law attorney. They can help get abuse victims and their families the justice they deserve.