Persons with dementia are more likely to become victims of abuse or neglect in nursing homes

Nursing home abuse and neglect is a risk for each and every nursing home resident. In many cases it can be difficult to predict—because if you could predict it, then you would prevent it.

However, there are some specific risks that may make nursing home abuse or neglect more likely in some situations. While the existence of one or more of these factors does not mean that abuse or neglect is inevitable, it should mean that the possibility of abuse or neglect should be considered, that you should watch your loved one carefully, and that you should take immediate steps if you suspect that abuse or neglect is occurring.

Six Things to Watch for If Your Loved One Is in a Nursing Home

Some things that could make abuse or neglect more likely in a nursing home include:

  • High patient-to-staff ratio. This may make it difficult for staff members to attend to the needs of all residents, and in some cases it may lead to the frustration of overworked staff members.
     
  • High rate of staff turnover. This makes continuity of care difficult, and it makes it difficult for a bond to form between staff members and residents. Additionally, there may be a significant reason why staff members are leaving the facility.
     
  • Lack of staff training. Staff may not know how to handle certain situations which can lead to abuse or neglect.
     
  • Lack of abuse prevention policies. There may not be steps in place to prevent abuse and there may not be a culture in the nursing home that wants to avoid abuse.
     
  • Lack of visitors. Staff members may not treat residents who do not have frequent visitors the same way they treat other residents.
     
  • Dementia. Sometimes staff members take advantage of people with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. They neglect or abuse these residents because they have difficulty remembering what happened, because they have difficulty communicating, and because they may be considered unreliable reporters.

None of these things mean that nursing home abuse is inevitable, and none of these things is an excuse for nursing home abuse.

Contact an Experienced Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer If You See Any Signs of Abuse

If your loved one is hurt because of nursing home abuse, then it is important to get legal help as soon as possible. An attorney can help you get the necessary information, review your potential recovery, and discuss other tips and resources to help you protect your loved one from the horror of nursing home abuse. Please call us today at 1-800-800-5678 or contact us via this website or your own free consultation today.