Special Considerations for Nursing Home Residents with Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease

 Posted on April 10, 2019 in Dementia

Degenerative brain diseases like dementia and Alzheimer’s disease can completely rob a person of their ability to think clearly and remember even basic information. Family members of those suffering cognitive decline often choose to place their loved one in a nursing home to ensure they are getting the care they need. Sadly, not every nursing home meets the standards of care that loved ones of residents expect. If you have a loved one with cognitive issues in a nursing home, be vigilant for signs of neglect and abuse. Because many residents with cognitive impairment cannot be their own advocate, it is up to loved ones to advocate on behalf of the resident.

Signs Your Loved One is Being Mistreated in a Nursing Home

Nursing home residents with dementia often cannot simply tell their loved ones that they are being mistreated. They may not be able to remember the abuse or understand what has actually happened to them. Loved ones should look for signs that the resident is not being cared for appropriately. Signs of physical abuse can include unexplained injuries like welts, bruises, burns, broken bones, sprains, dislocations, and more. Marks from being restrained such as marks on wrists and ankles may also be a sign of abuse.

Signs of neglect can include but are not limited to bed sores, infections, malnutrition, and dehydration. Another sign that something is not right in a nursing home is when nurses or other caregivers are hesitant for you to spend time with the resident alone.

How to Know When Accusations of Neglect or Abuse Are Real

Nursing home residents with mental or cognitive issues may believe things that are not true. For example, a resident with severe memory issues may claim that they are not being given food and water when, in reality, they simply cannot remember the meals they have already eaten that day. Even though residents suffering from dementia and other cognitive issues may be confused, loved ones should always take accusations of abuse or neglect seriously. Investigate the accusations thoroughly. Nursing home staff who have done nothing wrong should be willing to discuss these concerns with you in a calm and rational manner. Staff who are hostile or unwilling to address your concerns may be acting that way because they have something to hide.

Contact a Cook County Nursing Home Abuse Injury Attorney

If you believe that your loved one has suffered in a nursing home due to neglect or abuse, contact a DuPage County Alzheimer's and dementia patients lawyer. For a free consultation at Schwartz Injury Law, call us at 312-535-4625.

Sources:

https://dailycaring.com/6-signs-of-elder-abuse-in-seniors-with-dementia/

https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/elder-abuse#signs