You may have felt relieved when you were able to help your elderly parent transition to a Texas nursing home. You no doubt worried about the change as well. Knowing that you can’t be with your loved one 24/7, you have to have a certain amount of trust for his or her caretakers. However, nursing home negligence and, specifically, elder abuse is problematic throughout the state.
Researchers have concluded that elder abuse is a serious patient issue that is not getting enough attention in this country and worldwide. Do you think you would be able to recognize symptoms of elder abuse in your family member? It’s a good idea to learn about such issues so that you can step in and help your loved one if you suspect a problem.
These are the most common types of elder abuse
There is no excuse for abusing an elderly patient under a nursing home staff’s care. The following list shows the most common types of abuse that have afflicted many nursing home patients in this state and others:
- Verbal abuse
- Physical abuse
- Psychological abuse
- Financial abuse
The licensed staff members in a nursing home are tasked with providing your loved one quality care in accordance with all federal and state laws and accepted safety standards that govern nursing home care.
Studies suggest care managers need to monitor this issue more closely
Current research suggests that part of the reason elder abuse occurs at such high rates in the United States and across the world is that care managers lack awareness of the prevalence of the problem. It is helpful if you speak with your loved one’s care manager periodically to inquire about how many reported incidents of abuse there have been at your loved one’s residence.
The officials in the nursing home where your family member resides are morally and legally obligated to ensure his or her safety. Suppose you ask about statistics or a specific issue involving your loved one and are not satisfied with the explanation or answers you receive. In that case, it is always best to trust your instincts and further investigate the matter.
Does your elderly loved one have a mental health condition?
It is imperative to closely monitor your family member’s condition if he or she has special needs because of dementia, Alzheimer’s disease or some other neurological or mental health condition. It can be difficult to spot signs of elder abuse when such conditions are present.
For instance, a change in mood, lack of appetite or apparent paranoia or fear are common symptoms of elder abuse; however, they are also common symptoms of numerous mental health or cognitive disorders. If you suspect a problem, you can enlist support from knowledgeable advocates.