People typically move to nursing homes because they have physical challenges or have begun experiencing cognitive decline. The professionals working at the nursing home may conduct numerous tests during the intake process.
They evaluate an older adult’s fall risk and assess their cognitive function. The point of these tests is to ensure the facility provides the care the resident requires. Unfortunately, people’s medical challenges often worsen as they age. Workers should document any significant warning signs of decline and conduct routine tests at least annually to show the support offered align with a resident’s needs. A failure to do so might constitute neglect.
Decline affects safety and daily life
When nursing home residents experience cognitive decline, they are at risk of many potential issues. Elopement, where they wander off without telling anyone, can put them at risk of injury, illness and even death. Increased physical impairment may lead to a much higher chance of a serious fall. Physical and cognitive decline can affect a person’s mental health, their ability to meet their own needs and their overall standard of living.
Nursing home workers may need to encourage more physical activity, provide support during activities of daily living, group a person into a locked memory ward or carefully monitor their nutrition. The failure to take any of those steps can result in nursing home residents experiencing unnecessary medical challenges, such as malnutrition or traumatic injuries sustained in a preventable fall.
When the underlying cause of an incident that has harmed an older adult relates to negligence by care providers, the nursing home may potentially be liable. Reviewing care standards and facility records with a nursing home neglect lawyer can help families determine if a facility did not meet its obligations and is liable for the harm in question as a result.