In the coming years, individuals who make up the baby boomer generation will continue to retire and live out their retirement years. In fact, according to the U.S. Census Department, by the year 2029 more than one-fifth of the U.S. population will be age 65 and older. As baby boomers deal with the chronic and progressive medical conditions and physical ailments that frequently accompany the aging process, it’s likely that a significant percentage will come to rely upon assisted living or nursing home facilities for their everyday living and medical needs.
While the marketing materials of U.S. nursing homes often promise that residents receive optimum care, in truth many fall woefully short of these promises and put the health, safety and very lives of residents in danger. For individuals who have a parent or relative in a nursing home, it’s important to remain vigilant to ensure that a loved one is receiving the care and attention he or she needs to remain healthy and happy.
The following are signs that a loved one may be the victim of nursing home neglect or abuse.
- Unexplained bruises
- Fall-related injuries
- Bed sores
- Disheveled appearance and dirty clothing
- Sudden changes and decline in physical and/or mental health
- Dehydration
- Malnourishment
Family members who believe that a loved one is not receiving proper care and may in fact be the victim of neglect or abuse at the hands of nursing home staff members would be wise to remove a loved one from a questionable facility as soon as possible. It’s also wise to consult with an attorney who can answer questions, provide advice and help determine if evidence is sufficient to take legal action and prove liability.
Source: FindLaw.com, “Nursing Home Abuse,” July 7, 2015
