Beyond mourning the loss of independent living, people who move into a nursing home should not view this life change with dread. Such feelings are understandable, though, given some of the stories that the media report on atrocities in nursing homes. These are just a few of the terrors that we hear about:
- physical, emotional, financial, and sexual abuse of residents.
- use of antipsychotic medications to subdue high-maintenance residents.
- unnecessary use of physical restraints.
- neglect that leads to filthy living conditions, bedsores, malnutrition, and dehydration.
What Can Be Done?
These suggestions come from my own brainstorming, as well as ideas I’ve run across in my reading:
- Owners of nursing homes, put more of your profits back into making the facility a better place for the residents and staff. Hire enough employees to ensure that each resident lives a quality existence.
- Administrators, don’t be strangers to your facilities. Walk the halls, visit residents, see what’s going on and how content the residents seem. See also how stressed—or not stressed—members of the nursing staff are.
- Nursing staff, you are the advocates for the residents. This is their home! Speak up if you don’t have enough time to take good care of each and every resident. Keep administrators informed of inadequacies, needs, and, yes, positive things that you observe. Let them know what is working and what isn’t, what the place needs and what seems unnecessary.
Has Your Loved One Been Injured in a Nursing Home?
If you believe your loved one is being subjected to nursing home abuse you need to speak with an experienced Kentucky nursing home neglect attorney as soon as possible. Contact us online or call our office directly at 888.450.4456 to schedule a free consultation.