Elder neglect occurs when an elderly person does not receive the care they need. This might happen because of negligence or intentional misconduct.
Here’s an example. If your loved one is in a nursing home, you’d expect them to receive proper care. However, if the home is understaffed, your loved one might not get medications on time or help using the restroom when they need to. This is just one example of a serious problem that can affect elders.
Another possible example would be if your loved one is living at home and expects home health agencies to send help. If the help does not arrive and no helper replaces the worker who does not show up, it’s possible that your loved one could go completely without care for the day. That might mean not eating or going without assistance in taking a bath or shower. Over time, this could lead to sickness or injury.
How can you combat negligence involving your loved one?
The best thing you can do is to be there. Call regularly, and make yourself known to workers. If they know that someone is watching them, then they’re more likely to stay on task and to do what they’re supposed to while visiting the home of your loved ones or working in a nursing home facility.
If you notice neglect or other issues, speak up. Early recognition of problems of abuse can help you reduce the likelihood of serious injuries or death from neglect or other harm coming to your loved one when you’re not able to be present.
