What you need to know about nursing home neglect

You want your elderly loved one to be safe and happy, and you rely on the staff at the nursing home to provide the care your loved one needs. Unfortunately, too many nursing home residents are victims of negligent care. In fact, the most common type of mistreatment that the elderly face is neglect, according to the National Council on Aging.

If your loved one lives in a nursing home, you can be an advocate for his or her health and help to prevent mistreatment. Here is what you need to know about nursing home neglect.

What are the signs of neglect?

To protect your elderly family member, you should first understand the signs of neglect, which can be both psychological and physical. These are among the common red flags you should watch for:

• Sudden weight loss
• Changes in behavior or mood
• Fear of a caregiver
• Bedsores, bruises or cuts
• Poor hygiene
• Dehydration

Signs of mistreatment are sometimes difficult to detect. Anything that seems out of the ordinary should concern you.

What should you do to prevent neglect?

Even if you believe your loved one is receiving excellent care, you should still ask plenty of questions, monitor for injuries or signs of mistreatment, and visit often. Being an active health advocate can help prevent elderly care negligence.

If you see anything that worries you, you should take action right away. Document your suspicions and report your concerns as soon as possible. You may also need to make arrangements for other care.

Do not hesitate to contact the authorities if you believe your loved one is in danger. Your prompt action could save his or her life.