Communicate Early to Avoid Problems Later

Many problems, whether they are caused by other patients, the nursing home staff, or your own loved one, can often be dealt with before they become a real issue. What does this mean? Communication, communication, communication.

If your loved one in nursing care isn't getting along with their roommate or other patients, you should have a serious and open-minded discussion with them. Figure out what the root of the problem is and if there is anything they can do to change their behavior or actions, go for that gold first.

The next step is talking to the staff. Nursing home caretakers and staff have largely thankless and difficult jobs. It's easy for anyone to get frustrated from time to time. But, if you're noticing problematic behavior or your loved one is complaining, address it with the staff member and try to resolve the problem first. If that isn't successful, involve a staff supervisor.

Get Involved in the Community

Being proactive is another way to prevent problems from ever getting off the ground. It is also a helpful way of developing relationships with staff members so that you can gain a better understanding of the ins and outs of the nursing home operation. You will also know who to go to when any problems arise that you can't resolve something on your own.

There is another ulterior motive for volunteering or otherwise getting involved in the nursing home community. Unfortunately, elder abuse is far more common than the average person imagines it to be. Abusers tend to prey on the most isolated potential victim. If there are abusive staff operating in the shadows of your loved one's nursing home, your consistent presence and involvement in the facility offer a subtle shield. The AARP has a lot of great advice on handling nursing home complaints.

Sometimes, what seems like innocent teasing on the surface can have darker undertones. Abuse is not the easiest thing to spot, and any vulnerable population, whether small children or elderly folks, is the most susceptible to become victims of abuse. You should always be watchful and mindful of your loved one's behavior when you visit them.

What Are the Red Flags for More Serious Problems?

Warning signs and red flags to look out for when visiting your loved one in a nursing home include bruises, particularly in unusual places like forearms, neck, the feet, or on the face. Any other injuries, accompanied by behavioral changes from your elderly loved one, should be looked upon with some degree of scrutiny.

Malnutrition is a serious issue in nursing homes. Most commonly, malnutrition is behavioral. After a lifetime of being used to a certain type of cooking, many elderly people are not going to adjust well to the nursing home cafeteria menu. Be on the lookout for significant weight loss, excessive shadows under the eyes, gaunt faces, and other physical symptoms of malnutrition. Other symptoms can include fatigue, poor concentration, or feeling faint.

Another way to identify abuse in a victim is displays of fear, introversion, personal neglect, disregard for hygiene, and unexplained mood changes. Common types of nursing home abuse include:

• General neglect, such as not cleaning the room or the resident properly, or often enough
• Physical abuse, such as hitting, choking, punching, kicking, pushing, or causing lacerations
• Sexual abuse
• Emotional abuse, including threatened violence, insults, social isolation, and harassment
• Depriving food and water

Legal Options

If your loved one in a nursing home is being abused or if you suspect abuse, you need to notify the authorities right away. A call to the police is essential, and there are also independent ombudsman organizations in many states to deal with fewer emergency complaints.

When your loved one suffers abuse in a nursing home, you will want to obtain professional help from a qualified personal injury lawyer to help with filing charges.