Neglect is one of the most common forms of nursing home abuse in Georgia. It occurs when a nursing home patient is not provided with the proper level of care. Often, understaffing at nursing home facilities is the underlying cause of nursing home neglect.
#1: Poor hygiene
Many nursing home patients are unable to care for their own personal hygiene. When staff neglects to provide basic services like clipping toenails, bathing, and brushing teeth, this lack of care can contribute to patients becoming ill.
#2: Poor diet
A poor diet and lack of water can have serious health consequences for nursing home patients. Dehydration and malnutrition are problems that impact millions of nursing home patients in the US. In fact, research has shown that around one in five nursing home residents is malnourished.
#3: Lack of exercise
Even bedridden nursing home patients need some form of exercise to maintain their physical health. Nursing home patients must have a routine that includes a daily walk or some type of movement. Remaining stationery in bed for long periods of time can cause:
• Muscle atrophy
• Bedsores
• Decreased blood circulation
• Loss of mobility
#4: Unsanitary environment
A vital part of nursing home care is the cleaning and sanitizing of patients’ rooms. When a patient’s room becomes dirty, the patient could be more susceptible to infections. Patients’ clothing and bedding should also be changed regularly in order to maintain sanitary conditions.
#5: Emotional neglect
Emotional neglect of nursing home patients can have a serious impact on health. When nursing home patients are ignored and talked down to by nursing home staff, this mistreatment can cause them to become depressed. Depression itself is a serious mental health condition that may contribute to other problems.
Speak up if you notice signs of neglect
If you have a family member who is in a nursing home, you may be their only defense against nursing home neglect. Alert authorities if you notice common signs of neglect such as a messy room, changes in mood or bedsores.
