When the choice is made to leave a loved one in the care of a nursing home, the expectation is that he or she will be given good care by professionals. Everyone who has had to make this difficult decision wishes that their loved ones are being treated as if they were family by their caretakers. A nursing home can be a very positive environment for the elderly. A good facility will provide excellent care in a cozy, yet clean environment that fosters deep friendships. Unfortunately, this is not always the case.
As the elderly population grows exponentially, the need for care is dire. There are currently more than 36 million people over the age of 65 in the U.S. As the Baby Boomer generation transitions from middle age to older adulthood that number is expected to grow to 86.7 million by the year 2050. Neglect is already at an all-time high and as the demand for care grows, this neglect and abuse is likely to become much worse. Workers are likely to become more overworked and exhausted than ever. When this happens, workers become negligent and lazy when it comes to specific details.
Forms of Abuse
There are many ways in which individuals may be harmed while under the care of a nursing home. Some frequent complaints include:
o Poor medical care
o Bed sores
o Failure to report accidents
o Broken bones
o Bruises
o Infections and diseases
o Untreated illness
o Untrained or unstable staff
o Unclean surroundings
o Slip and fall hazards
o Undercooked food
o Disregard for food allergies
o Yelling or insensitivity
These instances of negligence or abuse are often made worse because the elderly at the nursing homes are often unable to fully communicate their feelings and needs to friends and family. This communication breakdown also results in gravely under-reported instances of negligence and abuse. There are an estimated one million instances of senior citizen abuse in nursing homes or assisted living facilities every year.
While general neglect is the most common form of abuse, those in nursing homes are also at risk for mismanaged health care and physical, mental and emotional abuse. Elderly individuals in nursing homes should be routinely checked for any signs of physical or mental abuse. If abuse is suspected, immediately remove the individual from the nursing home. He or she should then be evaluated by a doctor and the incident should be reported after a full diagnosis. For more information on nursing home abuse and negligence, contact Wisconsin area lawyers
No comments:
Post a Comment