When older adults make the decision to transition to nursing home life, medical issues are often the underlying motivation. Older adults sometimes require more support than their immediate family members can provide. Nursing homes help ensure the safety and comfort of people who are medically vulnerable during their golden years.
Unfortunately, not all nursing homes provide a reasonable standard of care. Some older adults end up endangered or harmed because of nursing home negligence. The five issues below can all potentially be indicators of negligent care standards at a nursing home.
1. Late-stage bedsores
The earliest stage of bedsore development can require only a few hours of immobility in some cases. People can develop red inflamed skin from sitting in the same position for less than a day.
However, proper movement and cushioning can prevent bedsores from worsening. Later-stage bedsore development and bedsore-related infections are signs of negligent care standards at a nursing home facility.
2. Resident falls
Quite a few older adults are at risk of falling. When they fall, they are at increased risk of broken bones and brain injuries. Nursing homes should evaluate residents for fall risk and provide them with support to minimize their chances of falling. Severe or repeated falls can be a sign of neglect.
3. Elopement incidents
Older adults, especially those with cognitive issues or Alzheimer’s disease, may attempt to leave a nursing home when they should not. They could then be vulnerable to severe injury or worse.
Nursing homes should evaluate residents to determine the level of care they require and put vulnerable adults in locked memory wards for their protection. The failure to maintain secure facilities and properly analyze support needs is a form of negligence.
4. Preventable illnesses and infestations
Nursing home workers generally need to wash their hands in between residents when providing care. They also need to diagnose illnesses and infestations that could spread to others and take steps to limit the spread of infections and pests. Allowing illnesses, bedbugs or other issues to spread unchecked in a nursing home is indicative of poor individual care standards and poor facility maintenance.
5. Unkempt residents and dirty spaces
Sometimes, nursing home negligence has not yet resulted in injury or illness. However, it may be visually apparent when people conduct surprise visits.
Residents may have stained clothing, greasy skin and matted hair. There might be filth or dangerous spills present throughout the facility that could endanger residents. Particularly in scenarios involving understaffing, the facilities at a nursing home may be the first warning sign of sliding care standards.
Nursing home negligence can lead to preventable illnesses and injuries. Family members of affected residents may need to consider taking legal action. Filing a nursing home negligence lawsuit may lead to financial compensation and potentially force a facility to improve its care standards.