Nursing Home
Complaints
Despite ongoing regulation and government oversight to ensure that all nursing home facilities offer quality care to their residents, complaints are common, as the families of nursing home residents are often upset about the care--or lack thereof--of a loved one. While a nursing home cannot take the place of a loving and attentive family, it should offer a safe and sanitary place where residents can live with dignity.
Significance
Lack of money is a major problem in nursing homes. Unless the facility in question receives private funding, Medicaid may pay for many residents. Unfortunately, most nursing homes can only hire a few skilled nurses, leaving the rest of the care positions to CNAs or non-certified staff. With inadequate skills and training, most abuses include neglect stemming from these staff members.
Considerations
Although required by State law to disclose all suspected elderly abuse, many nursing homes fail to report incidents because they could lose much-needed funding. For this reason, visitors to the facility should immediately report known or suspected abuse to their State Ombudsman. Most nursing home complaints center on neglect of the elderly that results in hunger, weight loss, despondency and poor hygiene. Report all suspected neglect (see Resources below).
Identification
Identifying instances of elderly abuse requires vigilance from visitors. Bedsores that don't heal, stiff joints, genital bruising or venereal disease and sudden behavioral changes in a resident should send up a red flag. In addition, the disappearance of personal possessions or unexplained withdrawals from a resident's bank account is suspicious. If nursing home staff refuse to allow family members to visit with a resident, immediate action is necessary (see Resources below).
Effects
Outright abuse is rare but must be identified and reported promptly to prevent more abuse. Neglect is more common and results in poor personal hygiene, an unkempt appearance, loss of weight, dehydration and/or depression. Neglect often stems from a lack of funding to hire and train quality staff.
Prevention/Solution
The family members of loved ones in nursing homes are the first line of defense against neglect and abuse. By documenting and reporting every problem, the nursing home risks losing State and federal funding. If possible, discretely photograph or videotape unsanitary facilities and all physical evidence of neglect or abuse.
Misconceptions
Not all nursing homes receive complaints from residents and their families. Most complaints of abuse and neglect come from only 30 percent of all nursing homes. Researching the status of a nursing home before admitting a family member is the best way to prevent neglect. Speak to the family members of current and previous residents and call your State Ombudsman for information about complaints lodged against specific facilities.
Tags: nursing homes, nursing home, family members, nursing home, elderly abuse