Whether you’re a parent or a friend, it’s important to know what to do if you suspect that your loved one is being abused or neglected in a nursing home. If you’re unsure whether you need to take action, you should seek the advice of a nursing home abuse & neglect attorney in Atlanta.
Bed sores
Sadly, bedsores in nursing homes are a common occurrence. They are also a symptom of negligent nursing home care.
Bedsores are a painful, debilitating condition that can be life threatening. They form when there is too much pressure on the skin. The constant pressure causes restricted blood flow to the affected area, which results in dying tissue.
Bedsores are most common in patients over 60. Elderly individuals usually spend a lot of time in bed, which increases their risk for developing bedsores. Nursing homes should ensure that their residents are provided with adequate nutrition and hydration, as well as a proper bed linen.
Choking deaths
Several deaths of residents at nursing homes are attributed to choking. This has led to liability issues for nursing homes. Nursing homes must take steps to prevent choking deaths.
The elderly are particularly susceptible to choking deaths. Old age and dental issues can affect the way a person chews and swallows food. A denture that is loose or not properly fitted can also be a choking hazard.
Residents with dementia or other neurological conditions may be at high risk for choking. In addition, some may have dietary restrictions or are physically disabled. This is why they require constant supervision.
Several choking accidents are preventable. If a choking victim is unconscious, immediate medical attention is necessary. The Heimlich maneuver can help clear the throat. The patient can also be given CPR to help delay the onset of more serious conditions.
Financial abuse
Having an elderly loved one living in a nursing home means that you will need to be on the lookout for signs of financial abuse. Unfortunately, many nursing home residents don’t recognize the dangers and may be reluctant to report it.
The best way to prevent financial abuse is to ensure that your loved one’s finances are being managed and monitored. By doing so, you will be able to spot any unexplained changes in spending habits and account balances.
If you suspect your loved one is being financially abused, you should talk to the nursing home administrators and authorities to report the incident. It is important to work with the authorities to prevent the abuse from happening again.
Non-verbal abuse
Approximately one in ten nursing home residents experiences some form of abuse or neglect. Verbal abuse is a common occurrence in nursing homes, and is almost as detrimental to the health of the elderly as physical abuse.
While there is no way to completely eliminate verbal abuse, nursing homes should make efforts to keep residents safe. There are a number of different ways to do this, including hiring an outside senior services agency.
If you suspect your loved one is suffering from verbal abuse, a good place to start is with a nursing home abuse and neglect attorney. He or she can help you understand your legal options and pursue appropriate legal action against the nursing home.
Psychiatric evaluations
Psychiatric evaluations are carried out for a variety of purposes, including diagnosis. They are typically carried out by a psychiatrist, although psychologists and social workers may also contribute. In addition to identifying and diagnosing a person’s mental illness, a psychiatric evaluation can also help with treatment.
Psychiatric evaluations are typically the first step in treatment. They usually last for thirty to 90 minutes. The length of the evaluation will depend on the amount of information that needs to be collected.
There are several screening instruments available to assess elder abuse. Some of them include symptom scales that are used to measure specific disorders, such as depression or bipolar disorder.
Communication with the nursing home
Whether you are a family member or a resident in a nursing home, communication is important. It helps to keep the staff informed about your loved one’s medical conditions and current activities. It’s also important to communicate your concerns to the nursing home administration.
A study of nurses at the nursing home and hospital levels suggests that a proper communication protocol between these two care settings may help improve the quality of care and increase patient satisfaction.
A study of nursing home and hospital staff reported that they found it difficult to transfer a patient from one facility to another. They also found it difficult to provide discharge instructions without preparation. Consequently, these nurses recommended increased collaboration.
