Nursing homes and other assisted living care facilities are businesses a family hires to look after the elderly loved ones who can no longer safely look after themselves. Sadly, a lot of these places let folks down and nursing home neglect is a growing problem in America as the Baby Boomer generation ages and more of its members require assistance.
It’s common to find nursing homes that are understaffed or that lack adequate services, but the average person may not be able to tell which places are superb and which ones allow people to suffer. If you suspect your loved one isn’t being taken care of properly, try these simple strategies.
Ask Questions
Go right up to staff and ask them how many people are on duty, and how many seniors they are looking out for. Don’t be afraid to ask people about their credentials and qualifications. Do you see mostly teenagers and college students working there?
If something looks odd or out of place to you, ask about it. Is another resident in a wheelchair just left in the hallway facing the corner? Don’t be shy, ask what is going on.
Listen to Complaints
Most people being taken care of in nursing homes still have their wits about them, and if your loved one is talking about a problem, take them seriously. The seniors themselves are often the best source of information about problems in the nursing home. If they say someone else isn’t being taken care of properly, follow up on it and see if it’s true.
Pay Attention to Injuries
Does your senior have strange sores on their hips, heels, ankles, or tailbone? That’s most likely bedsore, and it’s the most common sign of nursing home neglect. These sores come from someone left lying in bed all day without being turned or moved.
Broken limbs are also a problem, and this can come from a senior who tried to move on their own and falls, such as if the staff doesn’t respond to their requests for help. That’s not the fault of your loved one, that’s a neglected issue and it needs to be followed up.
What Can You Do?
If someone from your family has been neglected at a nursing home or other care facility, give us a call at (617) 698-6000 or contact us and we can talk to you about your rights and what you can do next.
