If you are thinking of putting your aging father in a South Florida nursing home because you do not have the time nor the resources to care for him, make sure you choose a facility that has an established track record of success. Many people do not realize there are reputable centers out there that have the appearance of being safe and nurturing environments for seniors but lack the proper resources to deliver upon those expectations in the long run.
Your parent may seem capable of looking out for himself. However, he is still a vulnerable individual who may experience negligence or abuse at the hands of his caregivers. Here are some red flags you should watch for that may indicate your loved one is at risk of harm in his nursing home.
Changes in hygiene and appearance
Regardless of your loved one’s health and care needs, he must receive care and assistance that keeps him in optimal health. This includes assistance with bathing, walking, eating and more. When seniors do not receive the right level/standard of care, they often have an unkempt appearance, body odor, drastic weight loss and exhibit personality changes, such as avoiding eye contact and deflecting questions about their health, well-being and treatment.
Frequent injuries
One essential reason people seek out nursing homes for their elderly relatives is to keep them from hurting themselves. If you notice your father is suddenly accident-prone and has injuries every time you see him, you should investigate to learn why, even if he tells you nothing is wrong. Common injuries that people often confuse as normal aging conditions, including weakening muscles, bed sores, bruises and broken bones/fractures, usually occur when nurses and caregivers do not provide adequate supervision, safety provisions, and lack proper training and work and life balance.
Seniors are not just at risk of physical and emotional abuse in nursing homes. Scammers may also take advantage of them financially. Keep track of your father’s accounts, financial activities and possessions. If his assets and possessions start disappearing or you suspect mismanagement, he could be experiencing financial exploitation.
