Most Common Nursing Home Complaints
February 21, 2023 | The Rooth Law Firm Nursing Home Abuse
Nursing homes provide a safe and comfortable environment for elderly people who need assistance with daily activities. They are vital to our society, providing care when the family cannot. But unfortunately, many complaints about nursing homes can lead to poor quality of life for residents. We’ll examine the three most common complaints about nursing homes — inadequate staffing, neglect, and abuse — and explain how you can help protect your loved ones from these issues.
1) Inadequate Staffing in Nursing Homes
Inadequate staffing is one of the most common complaints about nursing homes. Nursing homes must provide adequate staff to meet the needs of residents, yet many fail to do so. The lack of staff can lead to an unsafe and unhygienic environment and cause delays in medical care or assistance with daily activities. And isn’t this the reason people choose a nursing home in the first place? Moreover, inadequate staffing can lead to frustration among both the residents and the staff due to feelings of being overwhelmed. As a result of this frustration, staff members may be less inclined to provide quality care for their patients, which can compound existing issues in the nursing home.
But why does this happen in the first place? Nursing homes often don’t budget enough money to hire qualified staff, or they may be unaware of the regulations that govern their industry. Whether because of a lack of funds or poor planning, inadequate staffing can lead to serious problems that will affect the quality of life for residents.
Inadequate staffing can be challenging to identify since it is often a result of gradual changes in the number of employees and overall staff level. These changes may go unnoticed unless you’re actively involved in your loved one’s care. To ensure that their needs are met, it is essential to make regular visits to the nursing home and speak with staff members regularly. Doing so can ensure the nursing home is adequately staffed and provide your loved one with a safe and comfortable environment.
2) Neglect in Nursing Homes
Nursing home neglect is another common complaint. It may be connected to inadequate staffing, but neglect can also be due to poor training or attitudes of staff. This can range from inadequate assistance with medications, meals, and activities such as bathing and dressing, to not responding promptly to requests for help or medical care. Neglect can cause physical discomfort and emotional distress in residents, as well as an overall decline in the quality of their life. When the staff is overworked or inexperienced, they may be unable to properly meet these needs — leading to significant problems like malnutrition and dehydration.
In addition to malnutrition and dehydration, neglect can also lead to other physical health issues. Elderly residents who cannot move around regularly may be at risk of developing bedsores or infections due to a lack of proper care. As a result of this neglect, elderly residents may require the assistance of top Chicago nursing home bedsore attorneys to recover any damages caused by improper care. Moreover, those with mental health issues may suffer repercussions due to a lack of understanding, attention and psychological support from the staff.
Neglect is complicated because it can be hard for family members or others not living in the nursing home to identify it early on. In addition, if a resident does not receive the necessary help and support when needed, their physical and mental health may severely deteriorate before anyone realizes something is wrong. Therefore, families and caregivers must remain vigilant and report any suspicions of neglect as soon as possible so that appropriate action can be taken. How to report nursing home neglect in Illinois is not as easy as it may seem, but we will cover that in our last section.
3) Abuse in Nursing Homes
Abuse in nursing homes is another serious problem that can have devastating consequences for elderly residents. This form of abuse can range from physical or verbal abuse to financial exploitation. In an alarming number of cases, the abuser is a staff member charged with the daily care of residents, making it difficult for family members to detect or intervene.
Physical abuse can take many forms, from rough handling to hitting and slapping. However, it is important to note that even seemingly minor physical contact can be damaging if performed with extreme force. For instance, grabbing someone’s arm tightly or holding them in a painful grip. Signs of physical abuse may include bruises, scratches or abrasions on parts of the body. If it persists over time, further injury may result due to prolonged exposure.
Verbal and psychological abuse are also commonly associated with abuse complaints in nursing homes. In some cases, elderly residents may be subjected to derogatory language, such as name-calling or belittling comments. They may also experience emotional manipulation through threats or intimidation. Psychological abuse is often more insidious than physical abuse because it leaves no visible marks but nevertheless causes distress and anxiety in its victims.
Finally, financial exploitation is another major concern in nursing homes. This doesn’t only refer to outright theft by staff members but could also involve taking advantage of an elderly person’s lack of understanding or cognitive decline to make unauthorized changes to their financial arrangements, such as bank accounts and investments, without their knowledge or consent. Abuse of this nature can lead to significant financial losses that may not be recoverable unless prevention measures have been implemented beforehand.
Families and caregivers must remain aware of potential signs of abuse in nursing homes since its effects can have lasting repercussions on an elderly person’s health and well-being.
How to Handle Complaints and Protect Your Loved Ones
When it comes to protecting your loved ones in nursing homes and long-term care facilities, it’s essential to know what steps you can take if you have a complaint. If you feel that your loved one has been mistreated or neglected in any way, it is important to document the incident and contact an attorney as soon as possible. Then contact the Rooth Law Firm for assistance from an experienced Illinois bed sore attorney specializing in neglect and abuse cases that can help you file a complaint and get the justice you deserve.
In addition, it is vital to understand how to report abuse and neglect in nursing homes. In Illinois, you can file a complaint with the state’s Department of Public Health or contact your local ombudsman to report any issues. They will be able to provide guidance on how to proceed and what steps need to be taken in order to ensure the safety of your loved ones. But, again, having an attorney on your side will ensure that your rights are protected and that appropriate action is taken.
No one should ever have to endure neglect or abuse in a nursing home, and it is our duty as family members, friends and advocates to be vigilant against such wrongdoing. By recognizing the signs of mistreatment, reporting complaints and consulting an attorney for legal assistance, we can help protect our loved ones and take a stand against nursing home neglect and abuse.
No one should have to live in fear, especially those who cannot speak up for themselves. By taking action and pursuing justice, we can ensure that the vulnerable elderly population will be safeguarded from any form of mistreatment.