Deciding that your loved one should go into a nursing home in Maryland can be a tough decision. But once that decision is made, you expect the staff to take care of your loved one. Unfortunately, seniors in nursing homes suffer a number of very serious injuries.
What causes nursing home injuries?
Some nursing home injuries may occur due to a simple accident, or as a complication of an already existing illness. However, many occur due to either abuse or neglect. Nursing home abuse occurs when staff members actively cause harm to a resident, while neglect refers to a long-term failure to provide adequate care.
Nursing home falls can result in death
Nursing home falls often occur due to serious neglect and can result in serious injury or death. In fact, slip and fall accidents are the leading cause of injury deaths for people 65 or older.
Neglect and abuse contribute to a variety of nursing home injuries
In addition to falls, neglect and abuse in a nursing home setting can result in a number of injuries. These may include:
- Bedsores
- Malnourishment
- Broken bones
- Concussions
- Infections
Look for certain signs to indicate nursing home neglect or abuse
If you suspect your loved one has been abused or neglected in a nursing home setting, you may not see the injuries right away. Instead, be on the lookout for these signs that your loved one may be suffering from mistreatment:
- Sudden emotional withdrawal
- Frequent agitation
- Sudden fear of being touched
- New unexplainable behaviors
- Refusal to talk in front of nursing home staff
Take repeated injuries seriously
Not every accident that occurs while your loved one is in a nursing home happens due to abuse or neglect. But repeated or frequent injuries could be a sign that your loved one is in danger and requires your intervention.
