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Retire Early
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Retirement; like your parents, but way cooler
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In 1991 Billy and Akaisha Kaderli retired at the age
of 38. Now, into their 4th decade of this
financially independent lifestyle, they invite you
to take advantage of their wisdom and experience. |
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What to
Know about Reporting Neglect in a Nursing Home
John
Mackenberry
Two out
of three nursing home staff members admit to committing some form of abuse
against older adults in the past year, according to the World Health
Organization. For families who trust these facilities with the care of their
loved ones, this statistic is both shocking and heartbreaking.
Nursing
home neglect is one of the most common and most overlooked types of elder abuse.
From missed meals and untreated medical needs to emotional isolation, neglect
can have devastating consequences.
That’s
why it’s so important to know when and how to report it and where to turn
to
help victims of nursing home mistreatment.
In this
article, we’ll cover the warning signs of neglect, steps you can take to report
it, and what happens after a report is made. You’ll also learn about resources
available to protect your loved ones and hold facilities accountable.
What
Counts as Neglect in a Nursing Home
Neglect
is different from direct abuse but can be just as harmful. It happens when a
nursing home fails to provide the basic care residents need. This can include
food, water, hygiene, medical treatment, and a safe living environment.
Common
examples of neglect include:
•
Not
helping a resident with bathing or dressing
•
Leaving
residents in soiled bedding or clothing
•
Failing
to provide medications on time
•
Ignoring
requests for help
•
Allowing
unsafe conditions, such as slippery floors or poor supervision
Even if
unintentional, these failures can cause infections, injuries, and serious health
problems.
Signs
of Nursing Home Neglect
You may
be the first to notice something is wrong. Common signs include:
•
Sudden
weight loss or dehydration
•
Bedsores
or untreated wounds
•
Poor
hygiene, dirty clothing, or unwashed hair
•
Frequent
falls or unexplained injuries
•
Emotional
withdrawal or depression
•
Strong
odors in the facility, like urine or feces
Keep
notes of what you see, including dates and times. These details can help later
if you need to file a complaint.
Laws
Protecting Nursing Home Residents
Federal
and state laws protect residents from neglect. The Nursing Home Reform Act of
1987 requires facilities that receive Medicare or Medicaid to provide care that
maintains each resident’s physical, mental, and social well-being.
Residents
have the right to:
•
Dignity
and respect
•
Freedom
from abuse and neglect
•
Proper
medical care
•
Participation in their own care decisions
In
addition, each state has an Adult Protective Services (APS) agency that
investigates reports of elder abuse and neglect. Many states also require
nursing home staff and health care providers to report suspected abuse.
How to
Report Nursing Home Neglect
If you
suspect neglect, act right away. Here are the steps:
1.
Document what you see. Take notes, photos, and gather medical records if
possible.
2. Report
to the facility. Speak with the administrator or director of nursing. Sometimes
issues are corrected quickly.
3.
Contact your state agency. File a complaint with your state’s long-term care
ombudsman or health department. They investigate facilities and can enforce
penalties.
4. Call
Adult Protective Services. APS investigates abuse and neglect in care settings.
5.
Contact law enforcement if urgent. If someone is in immediate danger, call 911.
What
Happens After a Report
Once a
report is filed, investigators will review the claim. They may:
•
Interview
residents and staff
•
Review
medical charts and facility records
•
Inspect
living conditions
•
Assess
whether the facility meets federal and state care standards
If
investigators confirm neglect, the facility may face fines, loss of funding, or
even closure. In some cases, staff may face criminal charges. Families may also
consider civil action to hold the facility financially accountable.
Protecting Your Loved One
Reporting
neglect is one step, but you can also take ongoing measures to protect your
loved one. Visit often and at different times of day. Build relationships with
staff so they know you are involved. Keep communication open with your loved
one, even if they struggle to speak openly.
Some
families also set up care plans and regular meetings with the nursing home staff
to review treatment and daily needs. Staying active in your loved one’s care can
reduce the risk of neglect.
Final
Thoughts
Neglect
in nursing homes is widespread and dangerous, but you have the power to act.
Knowing the signs, understanding the law, and following the reporting process
can make a real difference. Your actions can protect your loved one and help
hold nursing homes accountable to the standards they are legally required to
meet.
Key
Points to Remember
•
Neglect
includes missed meals, poor hygiene, lack of medical care, and unsafe
conditions.
•
Warning
signs include weight loss, bedsores, poor hygiene, frequent falls, and emotional
withdrawal.
•
Federal
law protects residents’ rights to safety, dignity, and proper care.
•
You can
report neglect to facility staff, state agencies, Adult Protective Services, or
law enforcement.
•
Documentation and frequent visits strengthen your ability to protect your loved
one.
For more on
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About the Authors
Retire
Early Lifestyle appeals to a different
kind of person – the person who prizes their
independence, values their time, and who doesn’t
want to mindlessly follow the crowd.
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