When your loved one enters a nursing home facility, you expect that he or she will have the best care. Unfortunately, in some long-term care facilities, elderly adults undergo neglect and abuse. WebMD defines neglect as a staff member failing to provide adequate care.
If you worry about neglect at your loved one’s facility, there are several signs to look for.
What are neglect examples?
To abandon any elderly person constitutes neglect. Many caregivers understand neglect but some may not recognize that they did something wrong. Some examples of neglect include:
- Failing to provide medication
- Not assisting with hygiene
- Failing to feed or hydrate the patient enough
Many elderly adults rely on caregivers to help them in their everyday functions. For example, a patient may require help eating, bathing or using the restroom.
What are neglect signs?
When you visit your elderly loved one, look for signs of neglect. All patients in a long-term care facility should have proper hygiene. If your family member appears messy, unkempt or with dirty clothes, he or she may be a victim of neglect.
Most older adults have aids to help them with daily activities. These aids include dentures, hearing aids, walkers and eyeglasses. If your loved one has broken aids or if any go missing, take the sign seriously. Other signs include skin rashes, weight loss and bedsores. Your loved one may become withdrawn or refuse to eat.
If you recognize any signs that your loved one, friend or family member may be a victim of neglect, you need to take action as quickly as possible. Neglect can severely compromise a person’s health.