When someone in your family gets older, there may come a point when you have to decide to seek residential care for them. This is often due to physical or mental needs you cannot meet.
For many family members, this is a hard and emotional decision. When you make a move, you find a safe facility where your loved one will receive professional, quality care. Unfortunately, when in a nursing home or care facility, the prevalence and possibility of abuse and neglect are ever-present.
While this is true, some factors make a nursing home resident more likely to experience abuse. Learn what these factors are here.
1. Individuals with disabilities
If your loved one has a physical or mental disability, it increases the likelihood of abuse. With physical disabilities, the individual may completely rely on others for their care and well-being. Mental disabilities, like Alzheimer’s and dementia, make it more difficult for the person to remember or replot the abuse they are exposed to.
2. Low-income residents
Sometimes, residents of nursing homes with low income are not treated the same as others. While this is not right, it is a problem that is relevant across the state and country. It can lead to serious health issues, poor hygiene and even malnutrition for the resident.
3. No family or support from outside
When nursing home residents don’t have family nearby or many visitors, the likelihood of abuse is higher. One reason is that there is no one to see what is happening.
Protecting your loved one
Nursing home abuse is a serious problem and one that can lead to physical and mental harm. It can also have long-term effects on the victims and their families. If you suspect this is happening with your loved one, you must learn what legal rights you have to protect them.