Rapid Weight Loss Or Gain
Rapid weight loss or gain can be a dangerous sign of various issues, especially in nursing homes. Injury lawyers understand that swift changes to weight can point to possible neglect and are prepared to investigate whether such an injury has occurred. Low staffing and lack of proper oversight are often the root cause of injury due to poor nutrition resulting from nursing home neglect. As injury lawyers familiar with these types of cases, legal counsel can provide the necessary support for elderly victims who have suffered physical injury due to ill-treatment or negligence.
Dehydration
Dehydration is one of the most severe signs of nursing home neglect and abuse and is an issue that should not be taken lightly. Unfortunately, dehydration is common in many Birmingham nursing homes and can have severe consequences for the health of elderly residents. Older people are more vulnerable to dehydration because their bodies can lose water faster than younger people and often do not feel thirsty when they should. Nursing staff must monitor every patient’s hydration level regularly, as even a tiny amount of dehydration can cause weakness, dizziness, confusion, and organ failure. Nursing home staff should also remind seniors to drink water throughout the day and help those with disabilities stay adequately hydrated. It is never acceptable for a senior living in a Birmingham nursing home to be neglected or go untreated due to dehydration.
Poor Hygiene
Nursing home neglect is a serious issue, and poor hygiene among residents is a primary sign of this neglect. Poor hygiene can indicate that the individuals are not adequately cared for, including not having timely access to bathing, tooth brushing, and medical attention, if needed. It often makes residents feel embarrassed, insecure, and uncomfortable, leading to an unsanitary environment. For nursing home administrators, ensuring the proper hygiene of all residents should be one of their foremost responsibilities. For family members of nursing home residents, keeping an eye out for signs of poor hygiene is one way to detect if your loved ones are adequately cared for. Poor hygiene must not go unnoticed to ensure that Birmingham nursing home residents receive the proper care they deserve.
Pressure Sores From Failing To Move The Senior Regularly
Pressure sores are a sign of neglect that should be taken seriously in Birmingham’s nursing homes. Victims fail to move regularly, leaving them prone to developing ulcers and blisters on areas of their skin that remain in contact with hard surfaces for too long. Unfortunately, facility staff often fails to take the required steps to prevent these sores, misdiagnose them, or do not adequately provide the correct wound care after they are discovered. If you suspect a loved one has developed a pressure sore due to neglect at a nursing home, they must receive medical treatment immediately and get the legal help they need to ensure continuous and proper care.
Improper Administration Of Medications
Improper administration of medications is a concern for many nursing home residents in Birmingham. Frequently elderly and infirm relatives are placed in nursing homes that cannot guarantee their safety, including improper medication management. Not only can this cause harm to residents, but it may also have legal repercussions for the facility. To ensure that your relative is well cared for, it is vital to research the history of the nursing home before making a placement decision. From reviews, inspections, and other sources of information, you can determine whether there have been any problems with medication administration so that you can make an informed decision.
