Problems With Nursing Homes

There are several different ways in which nursing homes can cause problems for their residents. The cost of around-the-clock care can be quite high. In addition, the standard of care within the nursing home environment can be low due to the fact that many residents are unable to report problems with their care. There are safety risks inherent with the large population of a nursing home, and mental health factors that may arise from a resident's placement in a nursing home as well.

Neglect

A nursing home resident may suffer neglect in many different ways. A call for assistance may not be answered in a timely manner or answered at all. Assistance may not be available when a resident needs to use the restroom or to change positions. This can lead to unsanitary conditions and pressure sores, which can become infected. Medications and meals that are not delivered on time can also cause a great deal of discomfort to residents.

Abuse

Abuse in a nursing home is much more serious than neglect. The residents of a nursing home tend to be frail, and abusive behavior can cause their health to worsen. Broken bones and scrapes can lead to dangerous infections. These types of abuse, as well as the use of physical or pharmaceutical restraints on nursing home residents, are illegal. Unfortunately, these types of abuse still occur, as do many other types of physical and emotional abuse.

Safety Issues

The large number of residents in most nursing homes, many of whom have limited mobility, creates a safety risk in the event of a fire or other disaster. Meningitis is also a risk for large populations of individuals living in close quarters. The elderly, who already may be in delicate health, are a particularly vulnerable population for meningitis as well as other infectious diseases.

Depression

Nursing home residents have often been forced to give up their homes, friends and daily routines in order to reside in the home. They can become susceptible to depression, even in a nursing home with no abuse or neglect. Frequent visits from family members may not be possible, due to distance. Nursing homes can mitigate the risk of depression by employing counselors and incorporating volunteer programs to ensure that residents have occasional visitors.

Considerations

Nursing homes offer a valuable service to their residents, but the problems that can be present in a substandard facility negate the benefits. For this reason, it is important for a potential resident to fully investigate nursing homes prior to becoming a full-time resident in one. Speaking to current residents, touring the facility to check for cleanliness and viewing the most recent state survey are ways to ensure that a nursing home is safe and sanitary.