If you have a loved one in hospital care, you expect him or her to receive quality care. Unfortunately, elder abuse and negligence can take form in various ways. To protect your loved one, you have to be able to identify the signs of negligence.
Negligence can happen in hospitals, nursing homes and in seniors’ homes.
Types of negligence
Seniors may face various types of negligence, including abandonment and neglect. Neglect is the failure to meet a patient’s basic needs. The hospital may not provide enough food, water or may not provide medication at the proper times. Likewise, negligence can include giving a senior loved one too much medicine to keep him or her quiet throughout the day.
In the hospital, your loved one has a right to the following:
- Essential medical care
- Shelter
- Clothing
- Proper hygiene
Sometimes negligence occurs when you have overburdened caregivers within the hospital setting.
Signs of negligence
To catch signs of negligence, keep a close eye on your loved ones when you visit. Often, neglected patients may seem unkempt or unhygienic. If your loved one has to remain in bed for long hours, he or she should not have bed sores. Bed sores often occur when caregivers or nurses do not adjust the patient.
Sometimes, you will witness a person’s mood or behavior change. He or she may become more withdrawn or quiet. A patient may also react with confusion or fear.
If you suspect negligence, talk with your loved one, but remember that some people do not speak up out of fear.
