Prevent Injury by Spotting These Warning Signs of Nursing Home Neglect

We do everything we can to protect our loved ones. As we age, our bodies begin naturally deteriorating to the point where we need additional help.

Due to the severity of health concerns, schedule conflicts and a variety of other reasons, many families are unable to offer full-time care for our aging relatives. In these situations, nursing home facilities provide an attractive solution.

When choosing an establishment, we have high expectations that they will treat our family as though they were their own. Unfortunately, in too many cases, these standards are not met, and our loved ones are left neglected and injured.

Watch for these warning signs of a nursing home injury:

Malnutrition is a significant problem in our nation’s nursing homes. The latest statistics estimate that up to one-third of the 1.6 million nursing home residents in the U.S. suffer from dietary malnutrition or dehydration. Watch for mouth sores, yeast infections, or redness around the mouth. Patients may also experience muscular problems, red or glassy eyes, yellowed skin, and cognitive difficulties.

The Centers for Disease Control suggests that as many as one in ten nursing home patients currently experience bed sores. Also known as pressure sores, bed sores are an open wound skin injury, typically located over a bonier, less muscular area of the body, such as the hips, back, ankles, and buttocks. Lesions can lead to infections, ultimately jeopardizing the health of the patient.

Nursing home staff should prevent bed sores by routinely mobilizing the joints of a patient who has difficulty doing so themselves, as well as changing clothing and bedding and maintaining healthy hygiene habits. The beginning stages of bed sores appear notably red, purple or blue, and the skin is torn or swollen.

The CDC has reported that there are 100 to 200 fall cases per each average size nursing home each year. The report goes on to say that this number is probably inaccurate, and many cases likely go unreported. Causes include muscle weakness, hazards in the environment, medications, self-care attempts, and incorrect shoe size.

Our loved ones should receive the utmost respect and care. When they suffer from pain or injuries caused by negligence or abuse, we must defend their rights. A Monterey, CA nursing home neglect attorney can help. The skilled lawyers at Corsiglia McMahon & Allard, L.L.P. will aggressively protect your family as if they were our own and work with you to pursue the financial compensation necessary for recovery. If you believe a nursing home is neglectful in their care of your loved one, call us today at 408-289-1417 for a free consultation to discuss your concerns.

• Diagnosing a decubitus ulcer
• Pressure sores
• Older Adult Falls