Many people associate nursing home neglect with images of dilapidated facilities and overworked staff. Yet, it can and does occur in facilities of all kinds, including those with high ratings and substantial resources.
As older adults are more vulnerable to neglect and abuse, understanding how these issues can happen in nursing homes, even the most upscale ones, is crucial.
Neglect affects residents in any facility
Nursing home neglect is a serious issue, even in high-end nursing homes with good reputations. Reasons may include:
- Staffing issues: Even well-funded facilities can have too few staff members. Overworked staff may not provide the attention and care residents need.
- Training gaps: Staff in any facility can lack proper training. Without the right skills, they may fail to meet residents’ needs.
- Management problems: Poor management can lead to neglect. This includes not addressing complaints or ignoring signs of abuse and neglect.
- Complacency: A good reputation can sometimes lead to complacency. Staff and management may assume they are doing everything right and miss warning signs.
Nursing home facilities and their staff may fail to provide proper care in several ways, including physical, emotional or financial harm to residents. It can be as subtle as a caregiver failing to provide adequate hydration or as overt as physical violence.
Due to these, residents may experience weight loss, poor personal hygiene, personal injuries and social isolation or depression, to name a few. In severe cases, even death.
Take action immediately
If you suspect your loved one is suffering from neglect in a nursing home, there are ways you can stand up for yourself and your family. For one, document the signs of neglect and report your concerns to the facility’s management. They should be able to address your concerns, and if they fail to do so, you should take further action.
It is important to note that you can file a complaint with the New York State Department of Health. With the guidance of an attorney, you may also consider pursuing legal action to obtain justice and compensation, especially if personal injuries were sustained due to the facility’s negligence. Your loved one’s well-being may depend on these actions, so act quickly.