| Nursing Home Neglect &
Abuse FAQs
Why does Nursing Home Neglect and Abuse
Happen?
What are the types of Neglect and Abuse?
What are the signs of Neglect or Abuse?
What should be done if Neglect or Abuse is
suspected?
Why does Nursing Home Neglect and Abuse
Happen?
Sometimes nursing home residents are neglected or abused
because of the economic condition of the facility ownership.
This can add to occupational stress. Employees of nursing
homes are usually paid less than their medical counterparts,
and, usually, they also have more responsibilities. When there
is understaffing, unqualified staffing, poor training and lack
of oversight, neglect and abuse are almost certain to be
present.
Back to Top
What are the types of Neglect and Abuse?
Abuse or neglect of nursing home residents can not only be
physical in nature, it can also involve mental or
psychological abuse. Typical examples of abuse and/or neglect
are:
- failure to provide proper nutrition and hydration
- failure to assist in personal hygiene when needed
- over-medication or under-medication
- failure to take reasonable measures to prevent falls
- failure to turn bed-ridden residents (leading to
decubitus ulcers)
- failure to take residents to the toilet (leaving them in
soiled clothing or beds)
- slapping or other physical abuse
- use of unwarranted chemical or physical restraints
- failure to call a doctor when needed
- sexual assault or rape of the resident
This list provides only some examples of neglect and/or
abuse in nursing homes.
Back to Top
What are the signs of Neglect or Abuse?
Any of the following could be signs of abuse or neglect of a
nursing home resident and if present should be promptly
investigated:
- bedsores, also known as decubitus ulcers or pressure
sores
- odor of urine or feces in the patient's room
- lack of attention to personal cleanliness and hygiene
- bruises, cuts, abrasions or other lesions
- begging for food or water
- significant weight loss
- bone fractures
- unexplained refusal or inability to communicate
- fear and anxiety
In addition to the above signs, there are other "red
flags" indicating that all may not be well. Inappropriate
conduct or hostility from the caregivers, inability of the
caregivers to explain the resident's condition or
circumstances, residents wandering off the premises,
disappearance of personal items and the refusal to allow the
resident to receive visitors or use the telephone all may be
signs of trouble.
Back to Top
What should be done if Neglect or Abuse
is suspected?
Seek appropriate medical care. Medical attention should be
immediately obtained. It may be advisable not to use the staff
physician or the doctor for the nursing home. Often, these
physicians have financial interests in the facility and may
even be part of the problem.
Report the problem to the proper authorities. In North
Carolina, the Division of Facility Services in the Department
of Health and Human Services is the state agency responsible
for regulating nursing homes. Complaints will be held in
confidence to protect the resident. Investigations are
conducted so as to minimize the chance that the facility
management or staff can identify the complainant. The Division
of Facilities Services can be reached in Raleigh at:
919-733-8274.
Make other living arrangements. Sometimes this is very
difficult, as facilities tend to be full. Also, there may be
financial considerations involved. However, the risk of
further injury, or even death, may dictate making a change.
Back to Top
For more information, please see our
Nursing Home Neglect page.
< Back to Questions
& Answers
|
