Deciding to move a loved one into a nursing home can be difficult, and families put a lot of trust in these facilities to provide proper care. Unfortunately, nursing homes don’t always meet expectations. From neglect to emotional abuse, a range of issues can leave residents vulnerable and families feeling helpless.
Understanding the problems that can arise in nursing home care is crucial to protect your loved ones and take steps if something goes wrong. Below, we’ll explore six common issues in nursing homes, how to spot them, and what you can do if you suspect improper care.
1. Chronic Understaffing
One of the biggest issues in nursing homes is understaffing, which makes it hard for caregivers to meet the needs of every resident. When there aren’t enough employees, residents may wait too long for help with basic needs like bathing, dressing, or using the restroom.
Signs of understaffing:
- Residents call out for help and wait extended periods for a response.
- Overwhelmed staff visibly rushing to complete tasks or cutting corners.
- Residents left alone for long periods, risking falls or other accidents.
What to do:
When visiting, observe how quickly staff respond to residents' needs. Don’t hesitate to ask questions about staff-to-resident ratios and whether additional help is provided during busy times. Contact the facility administrator or escalate to a government oversight agency if concerns persist.
2. Neglect
Neglect happens when residents’ basic needs aren’t met, leaving them in unsafe or unhealthy conditions. Whether intentional or a result of overwhelmed staff, neglect can lead to severe harm.
Signs of neglect:
- Pressure ulcers (bed sores) can emerge from not being repositioned regularly.
- Dehydration or evidence of not eating enough.
- Untidy rooms or personal hygiene left ignored.
What to do:
During visits, watch for signs of neglect. If you spot warning signs, document them with photos and notes. Speak with management to address your concerns, and contact an attorney if improvements aren’t made quickly.
3. Medication Errors
Managing medications for elderly residents is complex, and errors are alarmingly common. Missed doses, wrong prescriptions, or improper administration can have dangerous consequences.
Signs of medication issues:
- Sudden changes in health or behavior, such as confusion or lethargy.
- Medications run out prematurely or are not delivered on time.
- Instructions from doctors not being followed.
What to do:
Request records of administered medications and compare them with doctor’s prescriptions. A trusted attorney can also help investigate if medication errors may have caused harm.
4. Poor Hygiene Standards
A clean environment is vital for preventing illness, but poor hygiene is unfortunately widespread in poorly managed nursing homes. Common lapses include dirty restrooms, soiled linens, or unsanitary cooking spaces.
Signs of poor hygiene:
- Bad odors in shared areas or residents’ rooms.
- Unkempt personal grooming for residents, such as long nails or greasy hair.
- Repeated illnesses (like infections) spreading through the facility.
What to do:
Talk to staff about cleaning procedures and check that schedules are followed. If concerns remain or hygiene neglect leads to a health issue, an attorney specialized in elder care cases can help hold the nursing home accountable.
5. Lack of Proper Nutrition
Residents rely on nursing homes for balanced and sufficient meals, but understaffing, budgeting, or improper planning can lead to poor nutrition. Unchecked, this can cause malnutrition and related health risks.
Signs of nutritional neglect:
- Weight loss or complaints of hunger.
- Empty water cups or uneaten meals left sitting in rooms.
- Visible decline in physical or mental energy.
What to do:
Check meal plans and ask staff how they accommodate dietary restrictions. If malnutrition becomes evident, document your findings and seek immediate intervention from medical staff and legal support.
6. Emotional Abuse
While physical abuse often gets the most attention, emotional abuse is an equally harmful yet sometimes harder-to-detect problem. Whether through intimidation, humiliating remarks, or neglecting emotional needs, emotional abuse can severely impact mental well-being.
Signs of emotional abuse:
- Sudden withdrawal, fearfulness, or outbursts of frustration.
- Reluctance to interact with staff or other residents.
- Families being discouraged from visiting or monitoring care closely.
What to do:
Talk to your loved one privately and listen to their concerns. If they seem hesitant or scared to talk, look for patterns of behavior over time. If you suspect emotional abuse, report it immediately and consider involving legal experts to investigate further.
Taking Action Against Nursing Home Issues
Spotting these common issues is the first step; the next is taking action. Here’s what families can do when suspecting nursing home problems:
- Document Everything: Keep detailed notes of observations, including photos and timestamps. This documentation is invaluable if you need to file a complaint or take legal action.
- Report Concerns: Report issues to the facility’s management and follow up to confirm action is taken. If results aren't satisfactory, consider involving state inspection agencies.
- Consult an Attorney: Legal professionals specializing in elder care can help you understand your rights, file complaints, and hold facilities accountable when necessary.
Nursing Home Abuse, Neglect, & Injury Attorneys
In conclusion, ensuring the safety, dignity, and quality of life for nursing home residents is a multifaceted endeavor. If you're passionate about championing better care for elderly loved ones and seeking expert legal advice in nursing home abuse cases, McHugh Fuller Law Group is here to help. Contact us today at (601) 255-0240 in Hattiesburg, MS, to explore how we can support your family in securing the best possible care.
