When we think of nursing homes, we think of a place we visit our elderly loved ones live out their later years in life. But according to a National Public Radio (NPR) report that traditional view has changed dramatically over the last decade.
Using data from the Department of Health and Human Services, NPR found that people ages 31 to 64 make up 14 percent of the nursing home population. That number represents a 10 percent increase from 2000 levels. Nancy Miller, associate professor at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, notes that the increasing rate of younger people in nursing home facilities shows that states do not have programs available to help this population stay in their own homes.
While the majority of the nursing home population is aged 65 and older, no age group is immune from abuse or neglect. For those with friends or loved ones in a nursing home, there are signs of physical, sexual, emotional, financial or psychological abuse to look out for.
Signs of Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect
According to the Nursing Home Abuse Center obvious signs of nursing home abuse include unusual bruising, bleeding, unexplained weight and hair loss, and torn, soiled or bloody clothes or bedding. But there may also be less obvious signs as well - a regression to infantile behaviors, unexplained financial transactions, and physical or emotional withdrawal, among others.
As opposed to abuse, neglect involves a failure to provide the nursing home resident with the proper level of care. From falls to poor hygiene to malnutrition or dehydration, all are signs of neglect.
One far too common sign of neglect is the prevalence of bedsores. Commonly referred to as pressure sores or decubitis ulcers, bedsores are injuries that are almost always preventable. Excess pressure on the skin over an extended period of time is the most common cause according to doctors at the Mayo Clinic. While bedsores are generally preventable, they can also cause serious injuries and even be fatal in some cases.
Working With an Attorney
The NHAC recommends that if you notice any signs of abuse or neglect, it is important to notify the facility management immediately. It is also important to document the injuries, behavior or signs for your own records and contact an experienced personal injury attorney.
