The elderly are among the most vulnerable citizens of the community. Frail health and medical impairment can render them powerless against abuse and neglect. That’s why entrusting them to the care of reputable and highly-skilled facilities is essential to keep them healthy, safe, and happy in their golden years.
Unfortunately, neglect and abuse can still happen. It’s no surprise that family members recorded these harrowing incidents to prove it happened to their elders. You will see a lot of security footage being shared online to raise awareness about this matter.
With these, this article will delve deep into the effects of negligence and abuse on your elder’s health and how to prevent them from happening. Read on.
Malnutrition And Dehydration
Not being given the right kind and quantity of food can result in malnutrition and weaken the immune system, making the elderly more susceptible to illnesses and infections. On the other hand, dehydration may result in urinary tract infections and kidney problems. These acts of negligence and abuse pose significant adverse effects on seniors’ health.
There are many reasons why this can happen in a nursing home. It can be due to understaffing, inadequate training, or cost-cutting measures implemented by the facility. But the thing is, this must never happen, and it’s not what you signed up for when you enrolled your elder in the nursing home. If this occurred to your elders, contacting a nursing home negligence attorney is your best course of action.
Emotional And Psychological Distress
In their old age, it’s already common for seniors to feel isolated and depressed. And if they experience neglect and abuse at the hands of the people who are supposed to care for them, this can aggravate their condition and may even lead to anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Failing to provide emotional support and causing emotional harm through verbal and physical abuse can lead to distress. This can seriously affect their health and well-being and must be addressed immediately.
Bedsores
Immobile or bedridden seniors must be repositioned regularly. Neglected seniors who are bedridden may develop bedsores. Bedsores or pressure ulcers are a common health problem in seniors confined to their beds for extended periods.
Bedsores develop when the skin is subjected to pressure and friction over time. This damages the skin and underlying tissues and may lead to infection. This is also very painful. Regularly repositioning seniors and changing their bedding will prevent this from happening.
Falls And Injuries
Seniors who are at risk, such as those with dementia, must be watched by carers more frequently. Sometimes they don’t know what they’re doing and may get up from their beds, go to the bathroom, slip, and hit their heads.
Falls can result in severe injuries like fractures, trauma to the head, and even death. It can happen because of many reasons. It could be because of environmental hazards like poor lighting, slippery surfaces, and a lack of assistive devices such as handlebars and rails in the bathroom.
It can also be due to mobility issues of the senior and being left alone without assistance for a prolonged period. It can also be because of medication side effects. Falls and injuries can be prevented if the senior is looked upon and checked regularly by the staff.
Medication Errors
Medication errors can have a severe effect on a senior. This can happen because of incorrect dosage, improper administration, or even miscommunication among staff. Instead of treating them for their illnesses, this can worsen the senior’s health and may result in complications.
How To Prevent Nursing Home Negligence and Abuse
It’s crucial to take care of seniors’ wellness. With such detrimental effects of negligence and abuse on your senior loved one, it’s vital for you to be knowledgeable about preventing these from happening to them. That said, here are some ways you can do this:
- Do your research: Look for reviews online and visit the facility to inspect before signing up.
- Visit Frequently: Visiting regularly will make your senior loved ones feel valued. This also gives a message to the staff that you’re involved with the senior’s care.
- Educate Yourself: Learn the signs of abuse, such as unexplained injuries and bruises, changes in behavior, and poor hygiene. If you suspect anything, report it immediately and follow up regularly.
- Consider Alternative Care Options: If you’re unsatisfied with the service, don’t hesitate to remove your senior loved one from the program and transfer them to another facility or consider alternative options such as in-home care, assisted living, or adult day care.
Preventing negligence and abuse is possible by staying involved. You can do this by taking an active part in your loved one’s care and protection.
Conclusion
The elderly deserve care and respect. Putting them in a home that will provide them with the care, respect, and dignity they deserve must be prioritized. Otherwise, they might face abuse and negligence, causing detrimental effects on their health. If neglect and abuse happen in a facility, it must be reported immediately.