When you go visit your loved one in their nursing home, it does not take long to see that they’re not happy. What you don’t know is why. They won’t or can’t tell you. That can be an issue when the elderly have degenerative brain diseases and similar disorders. Therefore, you have to figure it out on your own.
The problem could be simple: Your loved one has to adjust to the new setting, and it’s taking some time. Maybe they never wanted to move out of their house. Maybe they don’t like the loss of freedom, even if it’s for the best. That’s natural.
It could be that health conditions are not being treated properly. These may be mental or physical. Perhaps they’re not getting the medication they need, or they’re not getting it often enough. Maybe they have clear issues that caretakers should have noticed and addressed by now, but no one has done so.
Your loved one may feel alone and neglected, especially if they crave social interaction and they’re not getting it. This sometimes happens when caregivers are not around enough or when they do not help the elderly who struggle with personal mobility go out and join the other residents. It can take a toll over time.
If you think that the root cause of your loved one’s unhappiness is neglect by the nursing home staff, whether that means limited interaction or clear medical mistakes, you need to know about all of the legal options that you have. Do not underestimate how dangerous this situation can be for a loved one who cannot help themselves.
