When it comes to nursing home abuse in Albuquerque, one of the first things to run across your mind might be physical injuries. Though physical trauma is a strong and obvious type of abuse some seniors experience in their nursing homes and assisted living facilities, it is not the only kind of abuse and neglect that goes on in those environments.
Some nursing homes and assisted living staff to neglect their residents. They overlook their needs, leaving seniors more vulnerable to accidents, injuries, and death. It is important for family members to know the several types of abuse and neglect their loved ones may encounter in their nursing homes and assisted living facilities, so they can take proper action to protect them from further neglect and abuse and prevent death.
Mental and emotional abuse
The effects of neglect and abuse are not just physical; there are also emotional and mental effects that are not easily seen or in plain sight. Common ways caretakers emotionally abuse nursing home residents include name-calling, yelling, abusive statements, verbal threats, and the use of profanity. Seniors are also at risk of emotional anguish when nursing home staff use nonverbal gestures and behaviors to abuse them.
The trauma of neglect
Seniors rely on nursing home staff to provide them with the assistance and support they need with their daily activities. When caregivers ignore their needs and keep them from living comfortably and safely, accidents and other issues can arise that cause harm and death to residents. Common ways staff neglect seniors include not administering medication, failing to provide fall prevention assistance and neglecting to feed and assist them with their personal needs, such as grooming and going to the bathroom.
Anyone who is thinking about putting a loved one in a nursing home should think of ways she or he can help improve a loved one’s experience and protect her or him from becoming a victim of nursing home abuse and neglect. Family members should continue to monitor their relative’s health, appearance and mental health so they can spot potential signs of abuse and neglect early on. If there are issues that compromise their loved one’s health and well-being, they should report them to the nursing home administrator, police and research their legal options.