Nursing home abuse is often perceived as physical violence that leaves cuts and bruises behind. While many cases of abuse do look like this, there are other signs. A failure by staff to act can be every bit as serious as a violent action.
There are a few things that humans need to survive, and food is one of them. Nursing home staff have a legal duty to ensure that your elderly relative is getting all of the nutrients they need. How can you tell if this is not happening?
Drastic weight loss
The most obvious sign that your loved one is not being fed properly is if they have visibly lost weight. Their clothes may look big on them, and their bones may protrude in a manner that causes concern.
Constant illness
Most people suffer from at least a yearly cold or flu. Young people are generally able to fight these ailments off without too much trouble. Such conditions can be more serious for the elderly, and they can be life-threatening to people who are malnourished. If your relative is failing to shake off a cold, or is constantly coming down with something, it could be a sign that their immune system has been compromised. Malnutrition could be one of the possible explanations.
These are just two of the more common signs of malnutrition. You may also want to keep an eye out for wounds that do not heal and any other issues with your family member’s appetite. Ultimately, it is the responsibility of the nursing home facility to provide a high standard of care. If they fail to do this and your loved one is harmed as a result, be sure to look into your legal options.