You would expect that any given nursing facility should give top-notch quality service, yet statistics show something else. Based on one survey, 90% of elderly residents reported either being a victim of negligence or having witnessed it on at least one occasion. Without proper nursing care in healthcare facilities, serious consequences could occur. 

When you have a loved one who is in a nursing facility, the last thing that you want to happen is for them to fall sick or get injured because of a lack of adequate care in their home. Keep an eye and ear out for these signs that a nursing facility is less than perfect. 

Physical Warning Signs

Neglect in a nursing home is not always easy to detect. Most signs cannot be seen just by looking at the person. If you are concerned that something is going on, you need to look a little closer. Common signs that someone isn’t being cared for are bruises, unexplained weight loss, sudden changes in hygiene, bedsore, or signs of malnutrition.

In severe cases, there may be broken bones, but those shouldn’t go unnoticed. Inspect their wrists and ankles for any signs of restraints being used such as rope. But neglect doesn’t always show up as physical injuries or the lack of a healthy diet.  

Emotional Changes

Any major change in emotional behavior should be addressed and it isn’t always easy to spot. However, when a major emotional crisis is happening, a person will express it in some physical manner. It could be in the form of rocking back and forth constantly. The person may resort to childlike behaviors such as sucking their thumb or throwing tantrums. On rare occasions, they may start to show signs of dementia earlier than is normal. 

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Be on the lookout for at least one of these signs so that you can do something about it. If you want to know more or you have already noticed something, click here so you can get professional advice. This is not to say that these types of emotional changes are a definite sign of neglect. There may be something else going on, such as depression from being lonely, stress, or even hormonal changes. The bottom line is to be perceptive and keep an eye open.

Observe the Facility

Physical or emotional signs may not be enough or even present, but you can always analyze the facility. During any visit, take note of the premises, other residents, and the staff. Are there disabled elderly sitting in their rooms for long periods? Do the beds look clean and made up? Can you see signs that the other residents have been cleaned, such as sleek hair or trimmed nails?

Take a good look around to see if the facility is clean and if there are enough nursing staff for all of the residents. There is a shortage of qualified nursing professionals in America, so the facility might be short-staffed. 

People who cannot take care of themselves rely on nursing facilities and their professionals to take care of their needs. To help combat this problem, speak up if you notice or hear of any elderly neglect or spot any of the signs discussed.