When people discuss elder abuse, what often comes to mind is elderly people suffering cuts, bruises and broken bones from aggressive healthcare workers. The other thing that people often think about is neglect, such as not cleaning an elderly person, which can lead to infections and other medical conditions. Another kind of elder abuse that many people do not know about is digital abuse. Digital abuse may be an increasing problem as more elderly people rely on technology to communicate with loved ones. Here is how digital elder abuse happens: The “Nigerian Prince” scam One of the oldest scams ..read more

Financial abuse of memory care patients in long-term care facilities is a deeply concerning issue that requires immediate and effective action on the part of loved ones.  Patients with memory impairments are particularly vulnerable to exploitation both due to their diminished ability to communicate effectively and due to their diminished capacity to manage their finances. They may not be in a strong position to recognize exploitation in any form. This vulnerability can unfortunately make them targets for unscrupulous individuals, including caregivers and even family members. Addressing th ..read more

A healthy and balanced diet is always important, but this is especially the case for elderly individuals in nursing homes. Elderly individuals can be more susceptible to health conditions that stem from malnourishment. Not only that, but malnutrition in itself is potentially life-threatening. Nursing home facilities have a legal duty to ensure that residents are receiving the food and liquids that they need to stay healthy. Unfortunately, some facilities fall short of this obligation. What are some of the main signs of elderly malnutrition? Weight loss The most obvious sign of malnutrition in ..read more

Entrusting your parent to the care of a residential nursing home is not a decision you take likely. Many people feel guilt that they cannot take care of an elderly parent themselves, even if doing so would be impractical due to the circumstances of their lives or the state of their parent’s health. One legitimate concern many have is whether their parent will be properly cared for. There are plenty of stories of elder abuse and neglect in these institutions, and it pays to stay vigilant.  Elder abuse can manifest itself in many ways Here are some of the warning signs to look out for: Unex ..read more

In an ideal world, nursing homes would be havens of care and support. Sadly, many residents live in more of a nightmare world, filled with constant fear of harm. All nursing home residents can suffer abuse or neglect, but some may be at greater risk due to certain factors. Understanding them can empower you to be a vigilant advocate for your loved ones and ensure their safety. Ageism and frailty The misconception (and sometimes truth) that elderly adults are less likely to complain fuels neglectful abuse. Staff might assume they can get away with poor care due to stereotypes about frailty. If ..read more

Many adults in California eventually need help to continue living independently as they age. Sometimes, people move into nursing homes or assisted living facilities during their golden years to receive proper medical support and observation from professionals. Other times, people maintain moderately good health and may only need some support to stay in their homes. Home health care services might include nurses who come to someone’s house to help administer medication or dialysis where someone lives. Someone might also require the support of professionals who help them take care of their house ..read more

Both elder abuse and elder neglect can be very detrimental to an elderly individual who is living in a nursing home or an assisted living center. It could cause them physical harm or emotional distress. In some cases, neglect and abuse go so far that the person passes away prematurely. But, while these two things are in some ways very similar, there are some significant differences to consider. What is abuse? Elder abuse is typically direct harm or the threat of physical harm. The other person (the caregiver or member of the nursing home staff) is intentionally causing this harm. Often, the si ..read more

Bedsores are painful pressure ulcers that can develop when someone is immobile. If they don’t change positions often enough, the consistent pressure on one area of their skin can affect blood flow and capillaries. In some cases, bedsores can even get infected and have fatal ramifications. If you have a parent who is in a nursing home, you may be concerned that they could develop bedsores. Here are the four stages to keep in mind. Stage one In the first stage, the bedsore may be red and slightly warm. Your loved one may say that it itches or burns, but it’s not a clear wound yet. Stage two In s ..read more

You want your elderly loved one to be admitted to a reliable nursing home. This guarantees you that they will be well taken care of. But how do you choose the right nursing home? Here are four questions to ask: Can you tell me more about the facility? With this question, you should obtain adequate information regarding the facility’s accreditation, its size, the number of residents, the facility’s management, any improvements done, visitation hours and how residents can contact loved ones.  How is your staffing?  Understaffing is a major concern in nursing homes. Thus, you should kno ..read more

Many cases of elder abuse or neglect stem from understaffing. Some nursing homes have an unbalanced ratio of staff members to residents, yet they keep admitting more. Here is what to know about this matter: Causes of understaffing Some causes of understaffing in nursing homes are intentional. For example, some facilities hire fewer staff members to save money. They prioritize cutting labor costs over providing quality care to residents. Additionally, when existing nurses and other staff members are overscheduled due to lower numbers, they may end up being overwhelmed and, in turn, leave the fa ..read more