Also known as pressure sores or ulcers, they should not be accepted as a common occurrence in nursing homes. They are always a sign that your loved one is being moved/turned too infrequently, and therefore neglected. Bed sores can go from bad to life-threatening very quickly, so they must be addressed immediately.

Elderly people do not feel thirsty in the same way that younger people do, especially when afflicted by Alzheimer’s or Dementia. Dehydration can turn lethal in only a few days, which is why nursing staff must constantly monitor patients’ fluid intake and output. If your loved one complains of being thirsty or frequent headaches, has a dry mouth or skin, or feels dizzy often, this can be a sign that they aren’t getting enough fluids.

The elderly in skilled nursing facilities are among the most vulnerable members of our society. The frailty associated with old age can rapidly accelerate a decline in health and mental state, if the person in question is not properly cared for. Loneliness, poor hygeine, not being changed or taken to the bathroom frequently enough, not being fed or given fluids frequently enough are just some of the signs of nursing home neglect.

Elderly who live in residential settings are at particular risk for abuse and neglect. They are particularly vulnerable because most suffer from several chronic diseases that lead to limitations in physical and cognitive functioning and are dependent on others for everything. In addition, many are either unable to report abuse or neglect or fearful that such reporting may lead to retaliation or otherwise negatively affect their lives.