What Are Examples of Poor Nursing Care in Nursing Homes?

When you make the difficult decision to place a loved one in a nursing home, you want to believe that the facility will provide attentive, compassionate, and professional care.

Unfortunately, not all nursing homes live up to this standard.

Poor care in nursing homes can take many forms. Many times, the aftermath of this abuse can be devastating for residents and their families.

What are examples of poor nursing care in a nursing home? Let’s look at a few scenarios that could mean your loved one is receiving substandard care in a facility.

Neglecting Basic Needs

One of the most common forms of poor care in nursing homes is neglect. This can occur when the staff fails to provide residents with essentials, such as food, water, hygiene, and medical attention.

For example, some residents may have mobility issues. In turn, they will need extra help changing clothes, performing basic hygiene tasks, or moving from one side of the bed to another.

When a resident is neglected, they are more likely to develop issues with their health, including bedsores. These pressure ulcers are preventable with proper care, but they are often signs of severe neglect.

In Mississippi, many nursing homes are understaffed. Overworked staff may struggle to meet the needs of every resident. As a result, vulnerable individuals can suffer.

Medication Errors

Proper medication management is vital for nursing home residents. Many of these individuals take multiple prescriptions on a daily basis. Any error in administering medications can lead to serious health complications.

That can lead to dire consequences. For example, if someone is a diabetic and given the wrong dosage of insulin, it could cause their blood sugar levels to plummet. That can lead to an emergency hospitalization that could have been avoided with proper attention to detail.

Medication errors are a widespread issue. Often, they happen in facilities with high turnover rates or inadequate staff training.

Emotional and Social Neglect

Along with physical care, nursing home residents need emotional support and opportunities for social interaction. A lack of engagement can lead to feelings of isolation, depression, and anxiety.

Sometimes, the staff are so focused on physical care that they neglect their residents’ emotional well-being. Over time, these individuals can become withdrawn and stop eating. In turn, that can cause a significant decline in a person’s health.

Some homes, especially in rural areas, may lack funding for enrichment programs. Unfortunately, that leaves residents with few opportunities for interaction.

Physical Abuse

This type of abuse in nursing homes is a horrifying reality. And it occurs far more often than most people realize. It can take the form of hitting, slapping, or rough handling by staff.

Sometimes, family members may notice unexplained bruises or injuries to their loved ones. When questioned, the resident may be fearful and not want to talk about the incident. This could be a major red flag that the staff is not providing proper care for their residents.

Physical abuse violates the trust placed in caregivers. Families must be vigilant in looking for signs, such as bruises, cuts, or sudden changes in a loved one’s behavior.

Inadequate Medical Care

Nursing homes are responsible for addressing residents’ medical needs. In situations where the person is getting inadequate care, that can lead to worsening health or even death.

Inadequate medical care often results from under-trained staff or a lack of on-site medical professionals. Even in nursing homes, access to the proper medical care can be a challenge. No matter the situation, it is the nursing home’s responsibility to make sure all residents receive the right care for their health.

How You Can Protect Your Loved Ones

Placing a loved one in a nursing home is a difficult decision. Whether they live close or far away, you want to make sure they’re receiving quality care.

Take these steps to help protect your loved one:

•  Visit on a frequent basis: When you make visits, you can monitor your loved one’s condition and the quality of care provided.
• Always ask questions: While there, you will want to talk to the staff to learn more about your loved one’s daily routines, medical care, and social activities.
• Know the signs of poor care: You will want to look for red flags, such as unexplained injuries, weight loss, or a decline in hygiene.
• Report any concerns: If you suspect neglect or abuse, report it immediately to the Mississippi State Department of Health or the state’s Long-Term Care Ombudsman.

Every case of poor care in a nursing home represents a personal tragedy. These victims are mothers, fathers, or grandparents who deserve dignity, respect, and compassion in their final years.

When you are on the lookout for these examples of poor care, you can protect your loved ones in a nursing home.

No one deserves to be abused in these facilities. If you suspect that your loved one has suffered some type of abuse or neglect, you have legal options. Nursing home abuse is a serious situation, and these facilities and their staff members need to be held accountable.

At Pittman, Roberts & Welsh, PLLC, we are here to provide assistance in these situations.