The holidays are right around the corner. They are meant to be a time of celebration and togetherness. For many elderly residents of nursing homes, however, the holiday season can be anything but merry and bright.
Families and nursing home residents look forward to reuniting for holiday celebrations this time of year, but unfortunately, the holidays are also a time your loved one may be at increased risk of nursing home abuse.
Why?
Why the holidays bring a greater risk for nursing home neglect
One of the number one issues causing nursing home neglect is overworked or understaffed facilities. This problem is magnified around the holidays as nursing home caregivers request time off to spend with their families leaving fewer qualified staff and increasing the risk of neglect.
Temporary staff may be brought into the nursing home to fill the gaps, but those workers may lack the necessary education and skill to provide adequate care. For example, temporary workers may not understand the protocols of the facility. At a minimum, they will not be as familiar with you loved one’s needs.
Of course, nursing home staff should be allowed to enjoy the holidays with their families just like the rest of us. So, what can you do to support and protect your loved one during this vulnerable time?
How you can help protect your loved one Over The Holidays
The best thing that you can do to protect your loved one is to visit often and keep an eye out for signs of elder abuse or neglect. That could include:
- Unclean nursing home environment
- Change in the elder’s personality, such as symptoms of depression, paranoia, confusion, or acting withdrawn
- Lack of interest in socializing with others or participating in favorite hobbies
- Increase in falls
- Presence of bedsores, open wounds, or welts
- Reports from the elder of feeling light-headed or abnormally fatigued
- Unexplained weight loss
- Unexplained physical injuries, such as broken bones, black eyes, bruises, strains, or sprains
- Use of restraints
- Intentional isolation of the elderly person
- Poor hygiene and upkeep
- Poor dental health
- Inappropriate dress for the weather
- Torn clothing
- Medication errors
- Lack of water and attention
It may even be a good idea to support nursing home staff by taking your loved one on extra outings, if possible. This time of year is filled with gatherings, parties, and celebrations, so bring your loved one along in order to afford your loved one a break from the walls of the nursing home and further monitor their well-being.
Plus a little holiday sheer will likely lift their spirits!
Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer in Hamilton, Ohio
At The Richards Firm, we want you and your families to enjoy an extra special holiday season. We hope wherever you find your loved one receiving care they are well taken care of and are able to join in all the family festivities this time of year can bring.
If concerns do arise over the care of your loved one in a nursing home, be sure to speak with a nursing home abuse lawyer near Hamilton, Ohio to find out your options. Ultimately, we want to help protect the safety and well-being of this vulnerable population.