When you send a loved to live in a Massachusetts nursing home, you likely do so with the assumption that he or she will be safe and receive adequate care. However, that does not always happen, and innocent patients and residents may suffer. It may be beneficial for your family to learn the signs of possible nursing home abuse or neglect.
Victims of various forms of neglect in nursing homes are often reluctant to speak out on the mistreatment they are receiving. They may feel ashamed or confused, or your loved one simply may not want to bother you. If you notice signs that something is wrong, however, you can take steps to protect your loved one and get him or her appropriate care.
Signs that something could be wrong
Nursing home facilities should be clean and have trained staff that provide appropriate care. Receiving anything lower than the accepted standard of care could be grounds to take legal action against the facility and the company that runs it. It may be beneficial for you to look out for the following details, as they could indicate something is wrong:
- When you visit your loved one, noticing that he or she is not clean and other signs of poor hygiene could indicate lack of care and negligence.
- If your loved one is showing signs of poor nutrition or is experiencing health complications because he or she is not eating well, it may be a sign something is wrong.
- Depression and becoming withdrawn are two indications that your loved one is experiencing mistreatment or other forms of neglect in the nursing home.
- Losing mobility at a rapid rate could mean that your loved one is not getting physical help or moving enough, which could signal neglect.
- If you notice that your loved one is suffering from injuries and complications for which there is no explanation, it may mean something is wrong.
From unclean facilities to unusual behavior from your loved one, any sign something is amiss could mean that you may need to step up and advocate for the rights of your family member.
Your family does not have to fight alone
Learning that your loved one is not experiencing quality care can be devastating. You do not have to deal with the fallout from this alone because you can seek legal help as you fight back and pursue appropriate compensation. You may find it helpful to speak with a legal professional about your concerns.
