Social interaction is something that we all crave, although some enjoy it more than others. Over the course of human history, being accepted as part of a group has helped people thrive, and we all subconsciously want that type of acceptance and interaction.
What many people do not realize, though, is that a lack of social interaction can actually have a massive negative impact on our lives, leading to a number of serious issues. Professionals who studied the issue have linked it to:
- Poor sleeping habits and poor quality of sleep
- The onset of depression, which is a medical condition
- Impaired immune function, which can lead to a long list of potentially serious medical conditions and illnesses
- A poor appetite, which means a person may not get the nutrients they need
- Impaired cardiovascular functioning
- Substance abuse, such as the overuse of alcohol or even prescription drugs
- Suicidal thoughts and self-harming behaviors
- General social isolation could make it harder for a person to reach out and find the interactions that they so desperately need
This is an aspect of nursing home neglect that we must take seriously. When the elderly are neglected, they may not get the social interaction that they want and need, they may become isolated, and they could wind up dealing with a wide range of negative ramifications. Neglect could even shorten the course of a person’s life.
If you think that your loved one has been neglected while in the care of those at a nursing home, it is important to understand both the potential ramifications and the legal options you have.
