Nursing home neglect is not a topic many of us like to think or speak about; however, it is important because having this knowledge can help us should it come time for us to protect a loved one in care. Neglect is not always as obvious as a significant physical injury. However, its effects can linger for years and change a person’s health forever. When an older person does not get the attention they deserve, their body and mind begin to shut down in ways that are very hard to fix later on.
Bedsores from Nursing Home Neglect
Bedsores are the most telling signs your loved one is a victim of neglect. These are known as pressure ulcers, and they result from a caregiver neglecting to adequately reposition your loved one every few hours. These sores cause immense pain, and they can become bad enough that they reach all the way to the bone. Infections can result that last months. Even after healing, your loved one may have permanent difficulty sitting or lying comfortably due to the skin always being weak.
Muscle Atrophy in Elderly Residents
Though muscle atrophy can result from some serious and degenerative illnesses, neglect can also be the cause. If a resident remains in bed for days at a time, the muscles in their legs can deteriorate. Their legs will no longer be able to support their weight, and it will take a massive amount of physical therapy to regain independence again. If your loved one does not have a known degenerative condition, such as Mitochondrial Disease, and you notice that they are not receiving the help that they need to keep their muscles strong, this is a red flag for neglect.
Malnutrition in Nursing Home Residents
We must also consider what happens when residents are not receiving adequate nutrition and hydration. If a caregiver forgets to bring a glass of water or skips a meal because they became too busy, residents can suffer from chronic dehydration. Over time, this puts stress on vital organs, such as the kidneys, and chronic urinary tract infections and permanent kidney damage can result. These infections are especially scary for seniors because they can cause sudden confusion or even lead to a life-threatening condition called sepsis. When the body has to constantly fight infections in this manner, it wears down much quicker.
Standing up for Aging Loved Ones
The emotional and mental scars of neglect are also significant. When someone feels ignored or forgotten by those who are supposed to protect and keep them safe, they can fall into a deep depression that looks like failure to thrive. They stop eating and drinking, caring about life, and shut down. Some people even develop symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder, where they become terrified of being left alone or get extremely anxious when a new caregiver enters the room.
If you suspect that your loved one is not getting the care and attention that they need, it is time to act now, as their life literally depends on it. Speak up, ask questions, and document everything. Get as many pictures and video evidence as you can, and contact a nursing home abuse lawyer to discuss next steps. We owe it to our elders to keep them safe in their final days since they spent all their time protecting and providing for us.