Nursing Home Abuse - What to Look for

It's something most of us don't want to talk about, but the problem of nursing home abuse is surprisingly widespread. Neglect, rather than actual abuse is more common, but the numbers speak for themselves - around a million residents in nursing homes are abused or neglected every year.

Although the problem has existed for years, it has only recently been seriously addressed. The first comprehensive report on nursing home abuse which actually analyzed reports from across the country was undertaken in 2001 at the instigation of Senator Henry Waxman, (Democrat-California).

The report studied a two year period from 1999 to 2000 and found that around 30% of the 17, 000 or so nursing homes in the United States were cited for some kind of abuse. The report also found that on occasion, residents were actually attacked by other residents and staff members.

Abuse in nursing homes is often described as "institutional abuse" and there are several different types. Abuse can be physical, emotional, psychological, and even sexual. And many examples of abuse only come to light when residents or families actually complain.

So if your loved one is in a nursing home, what can you look for to make sure this isn't happening? Ascertaining nursing home abuse can be difficult, as often residents have limited means to communicate. Identifying abuse can require frequent visits and observant monitoring.

Physical abuse is perhaps the easiest kind of abuse to identify. Signs include any kind of unexplained injuries such as cuts, wounds or bruising. Also, look for unreasonable physical restraint or forcing a resident to stay in his or her room for a long time.

Medication is an area where neglect or abuse can occur. Residents can be abused by either being given too much or not enough medication. Staff in nursing homes that have the job of administering medication to residents are required to be trained and experienced in this area.

Nursing home abuse can also be emotional or verbal. Residents who have been abused in this way may seem upset, agitated or withdrawn. They may also exhibit aggressive, insulting or humiliating behavior towards friends and family.

And be watchful for any unusual or obsessive behavior such as rocking, hugging oneself or nail biting. Also, try to observe a resident interact with a caregiver - they both should be comfortable in each other's company. If a resident is withdrawn or fearful, it may be a warning sign of emotional abuse.

Sexual abuse is a terrible thing, but it occurs more often than is believed. Many seniors with dementia are particularly vulnerable, and sadly, many staff have not been adequately vetted before being employed. Some things to look for would be torn or bloody clothing, unexplained genital infections or venereal disease.

There are other warning signs. Any injury that occurs inside a nursing home that necessitates the need for a hospital visit or emergency treatment should raise a red flag. And you should be suspicious if a resident's injuries or illness are not immediately reported to a family member or doctor.

One type of abuse which is particularly difficult to spot is financial exploitation. Some examples of this might include stealing or misusing resident's possessions; cashing checks or forging signatures. Many elderly residents have little or no knowledge of how much money they have and when bills are due.

There are certain things you can do if you are trying to choose a nursing home for a loved one. Apart from talking to the residents and the administrator, try talking to some of the staff and the residents' families. And according to Medicare regulations, you also have the right to see a copy of the most up to date state survey.

Try to visit a nursing home at different times of day or night, nursing homes are routinely not as well staffed at weekends or late evenings. Try to visit during meal times and ascertain the quality of the food, and whether residents are being assisted with their meals. Some facilities will allow you to eat with the residents.

Nursing home abuse is a terrible thing, and not always easy to identify. Having made the decision to put your loved one in a nursing home, it's partly up to you to make sure they are getting the care they need, they may not be able to do it themselves.

Nick Johnson is lead counsel with Johnson Law Group. Johnson represents plaintiffs in many states and focuses on injury cases involving Nursing Home Abuse, Nursing Home Neglect and Negligence. Visit http://www.topnursinghomelawyers.com or call 1-888-311-5522

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com