How Nursing Home Neglect Can Affect Your Loved Ones
February 23, 2022
Nursing homes should maintain certain standards on how they care for their residents. These standards are necessary to maintain the residents' safety and wellbeing. Read on to learn about some of the problems nursing home residents might experience due to neglect.
Poor physical health is almost a guaranteed effect of nursing home neglect. Some health effects include the following injuries and diseases.
Everyone needs good nutrition to be healthy. Poor nutrition leaves the body weak and susceptible to various infections and injuries. Nursing home residents with poor diets have a heightened risk of ill health.
Many nursing home residents are physically frail due to advancing age or chronic diseases. Many of them require physical support to get onto or out of the bed or get around. Inadequate support increases the risk of accidents. For example, a frail nursing home resident can roll off the bed if no one helps them.
Even relatively minor medical ailments can morph into serious issues without timely and adequate medical care. For example, bedsores can trigger infections that can reach the joints and bones. Thus, a nursing home is guilty of medical negligence if it doesn't provide adequate medical care for its residents.
Mental health is just as important as physical health. Nursing home neglect can cause poor mental health in the affected residents. For example, a resident's mental health might suffer if:
Consider a nursing home resident with back problems who requires help to get around. The responsible caregiver ignores or bullies the resident whenever they ask for help. The neglect can trigger different psychological problems for the resident, such as fear, anger, and resentment. Such issues can even trigger depression in the end.
Many nursing home residents rely on caregivers to help them with daily hygiene or grooming care. Many residents need help dressing, washing clothes, and keeping their environment organized and hygienic. Each resident's circumstances determine the help they need.
For example, a nursing home resident with advanced arthritis may need help brushing and flossing their teeth. The affected resident might end up with stained teeth and a bad mouth odor.
The effects of nursing home neglect are not always visible. For example, many nursing home residents suffer pain and suffering due to neglect. The pain and suffering are both physical and mental. Moreover, pain and suffering can occur with or without physical health problems.
You cannot take fatality out of the equation where nursing home abuse is concerned. Infections, accidental injuries, and even complications of chronic medical issues can all prove fatal. Consider the following examples:
Such cases can easily prove fatal without prompt intervention. Unfortunately, prompt intervention is not common for residents already suffering from neglect.
You should dig deeper to confirm the situation if you suspect your loved one is a victim of nursing home neglect. Get your loved one better care, and contact Schonberg Law Offices for help if you confirm your suspicions. We will review the situation and help your loved one get the compensation they deserve.
Poor Physical Health
Poor physical health is almost a guaranteed effect of nursing home neglect. Some health effects include the following injuries and diseases.
Poor Nutrition
Everyone needs good nutrition to be healthy. Poor nutrition leaves the body weak and susceptible to various infections and injuries. Nursing home residents with poor diets have a heightened risk of ill health.
Negligent Mobility or Physical Support
Many nursing home residents are physically frail due to advancing age or chronic diseases. Many of them require physical support to get onto or out of the bed or get around. Inadequate support increases the risk of accidents. For example, a frail nursing home resident can roll off the bed if no one helps them.
Inadequate Medical Care
Even relatively minor medical ailments can morph into serious issues without timely and adequate medical care. For example, bedsores can trigger infections that can reach the joints and bones. Thus, a nursing home is guilty of medical negligence if it doesn't provide adequate medical care for its residents.
Poor Mental Health
Mental health is just as important as physical health. Nursing home neglect can cause poor mental health in the affected residents. For example, a resident's mental health might suffer if:
- They experience routine abuse or insults
- They remain isolated for prolonged periods, for example, due to mobility difficulties
- They don't get adequate treatment for their mental problems
- They voice concerns, but the nursing home doesn't listen or respond
Consider a nursing home resident with back problems who requires help to get around. The responsible caregiver ignores or bullies the resident whenever they ask for help. The neglect can trigger different psychological problems for the resident, such as fear, anger, and resentment. Such issues can even trigger depression in the end.
Poor Personal Hygiene and Grooming
Many nursing home residents rely on caregivers to help them with daily hygiene or grooming care. Many residents need help dressing, washing clothes, and keeping their environment organized and hygienic. Each resident's circumstances determine the help they need.
For example, a nursing home resident with advanced arthritis may need help brushing and flossing their teeth. The affected resident might end up with stained teeth and a bad mouth odor.
Pain and Suffering
The effects of nursing home neglect are not always visible. For example, many nursing home residents suffer pain and suffering due to neglect. The pain and suffering are both physical and mental. Moreover, pain and suffering can occur with or without physical health problems.
Death
You cannot take fatality out of the equation where nursing home abuse is concerned. Infections, accidental injuries, and even complications of chronic medical issues can all prove fatal. Consider the following examples:
- A nursing home resident with heart problems who doesn’t get medication on time
- A nursing home resident who trips and hits their head on the floor when trying to get onto the bed
- A nursing home resident with compromised immunity who develops an infection due to unhygienic conditions
Such cases can easily prove fatal without prompt intervention. Unfortunately, prompt intervention is not common for residents already suffering from neglect.
You should dig deeper to confirm the situation if you suspect your loved one is a victim of nursing home neglect. Get your loved one better care, and contact Schonberg Law Offices for help if you confirm your suspicions. We will review the situation and help your loved one get the compensation they deserve.
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