Nursing homes are meant to be sanctuaries of care and comfort for our elderly loved ones. However, the increasing number of alarming reports of abuse and neglect in these facilities might make you question the care our seniors get. One telling indicator of potential abuse is poor hygiene among nursing home residents.
While not all cases of poor hygiene indicate abuse, it’s essential to recognize the potential red flags and take action to ensure the well-being of those in their care. Our team at Dalli & Marino, LLP can help you hold negligent nursing homes accountable.
How Is Poor Hygiene a Possible Sign of Abuse?
In nursing homes, poor sanitation may often be a tell-tale sign of neglect or insufficient care. Neglect can manifest in various forms, and one of the most visible ways it may appear is through the lack of proper hygiene maintenance. This is a potential indicator of inadequate attention and assistance from caregivers. If you start to notice the signs of poor hygiene, you may want to investigate further to ascertain that your senior loved one isn’t in danger.
When nursing home residents are not assisted in maintaining personal hygiene, it can lead to physical and emotional problems. Unwashed bodies, unchanged or soiled clothes, and unbrushed teeth can cause discomfort, infections, and decreased self-esteem. Since most residents are also more likely to have medical conditions, poor hygiene can worsen their health.
Signs of Poor Hygiene in Nursing Care Facilities
Families and friends visiting their loved ones in nursing homes should remain vigilant about signs of poor hygiene that could potentially point to abuse. These signs may include:
- Unkempt Appearance
- Bed Sores and Skin Infections
- Unclean Living Spaces
- Weight Loss and Dehydration
- Lack of Dental Care
You should never take poor hygiene lightly because it might lead to more serious problems for your loved one. Standing up for your loved one’s rights also helps other residents who cannot speak or have no one to speak for them. In your pursuit of justice, a nursing home negligence lawyer can help through every step of the legal process.
What to Do If You Suspect Abuse
If you notice or suspect the poor hygiene of your loved one is pointing to abuse or neglect, we recommend you take the necessary actions to protect your loved one’s health. The following are some actions you can take:
- Documenting evidence: Keep a detailed record of instances where poor hygiene is observed, including dates, times, and descriptions of the conditions. This documentation can be valuable if legal action becomes necessary.
- Open lines of communication: Address concerns with the nursing home management and staff, seeking explanations for the issues and requesting immediate improvements.
- Involve the authorities: If the issues persist and there is reasonable suspicion of abuse, contacting the appropriate local authorities or regulatory bodies may be necessary.
- Seek legal assistance: Consult with legal professionals who specialize in nursing home abuse cases to understand your rights and potential courses of action. A skilled nursing home abuse attorney can help you navigate the legal system and ensure your loved one gets justice.
You shouldn’t dismiss poor hygiene within nursing homes as a minor concern. To effectively advocate for the rights and welfare of your senior resident, speak with Dalli & Marino, LLP.
Consult a Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer Today
The issue of poor hygiene in nursing homes goes beyond the surface level of cleanliness. It can be a warning sign of potential neglect and abuse, which must be addressed quickly. Nursing care facilities have to keep residents safe and clean. If your loved one has suffered from an injury or died due to poor nursing home hygiene, you may have grounds to file a lawsuit.
The lawyers at Dalli & Marino, LLP can help you get justice for your loved one and prevent other nursing home residents from being neglected. We have advocated passionately, tenaciously, and successfully on behalf of thousands of nursing home abuse clients throughout New York for over 25 years. Contact us today at (888) 465-8790 or reach out to us online to schedule a free consultation. We also speak Spanish.
