Nursing home residents often receive more visitors during the holidays than any other time of year. Many families use these visits as an opportunity to check on their loved ones’ health and well-being. But despite increased scrutiny from visiting families, nursing home residents often face more risk of abuse and neglect from staff during this time than any other time of year.
This fact can be shocking to families of nursing home residents. But it’s important to remember that abuse and neglect aren’t always immediately obvious to visitors. However, because the holiday season can create unique risk factors, this time of year is when mistreatment may begin—and it can continue well into the New Year and beyond.
In this blog, we explore the reasons nursing home residents face greater risks around Thanksgiving and Christmas compared to other times of year.
5 Reasons Nursing Home Residents May Be Mistreated by Staff During the Holidays
Nursing home residents are among some of the most vulnerable people in society. Unfortunately, even minor disruptions to a nursing home’s staffing or management can increase residents’ risk of mistreatment.
The holiday season can be hectic, resulting in increased risk of resident abuse and neglect for the following reasons:
- Staff Shortages: Many nursing home staff members take time off during the holidays to be with their own families, leading to understaffing. This can result in the remaining staff being overworked, stressed, and overwhelmed, which can lead to neglect or even abusive behaviors.
- Isolation and Emotional Stress: Some residents may feel more isolated and lonelier during the holidays, especially if they have few or no visitors. This emotional distress can make them more vulnerable to abuse, as abusers might take advantage of their mental or emotional state.
- Less Oversight: Certain family members who live close to residents and typically monitor their care and health throughout the rest of the year may be busy with holiday events and travel, which means they visit less frequently or are distracted and less vigilant during the winter holiday season. This reduced oversight can create opportunities for neglect or abuse to go unnoticed.
- Inexperienced or Temporary Staff: With permanent staff taking time off, nursing homes may rely more heavily on temporary workers or inexperienced staff during the holidays. These workers may not be as familiar with the residents' needs or may be less invested in providing quality care. They also may be less qualified or lack required training and certifications.
- Holiday Stress: The general stress of the holiday season, including managing family obligations, can lead to staff burnout. This can result in reduced patience, improper handling of residents, or neglecting essential care duties.
These issues are unfortunately all common at nursing homes throughout Ohio around the holiday season. Individually, they can each result in an increased risk of abuse or neglect of residents. But when combined, the risk increases significantly, and the abuse or neglect that residents suffer can be much worse and put their health and even their lives at risk.
5 Signs of Nursing Home Abuse or Neglect to Watch for During a Holiday Visit
When visiting loved ones in nursing homes during the holidays, you and your family members should be observant and look for these key signs to ensure your loved ones are receiving proper care:
- Physical Condition: Check for any signs of unexplained bruises, cuts, or bedsores. Pay attention to sudden declines in your loved one’s health, weight loss, poor hygiene, or unkempt appearance, which could indicate neglect.
- Emotional State: Watch for changes in your loved one’s mood or behavior, such as depression, anxiety, or withdrawal. Sudden fearfulness or agitation around staff can also be a red flag of abuse.
- Staff Interaction: Observe how the staff interacts with residents, including your loved one. Are they attentive, respectful, and caring, or are they rushed, dismissive, or impatient? Trust your gut instinct—if staff members don’t treat residents well when you’re watching, it may be a sign that worse mistreatment is occurring out of sight.
- Living Environment: Look at the cleanliness and safety of the room and common areas. Are the living spaces clean, well-maintained, and free from hazards? If a nursing home appears unkempt, dirty, and unsanitary, it can reflect on the treatment that residents receive from staff members.
- Medication and Care Schedule: Ensure your loved one’s medications are being administered correctly and on time. If you or someone in your family has healthcare power of attorney for your loved one, you may ask to view their medication records. Ask about any changes in care or treatment, especially if your loved one’s health status has recently changed.
If you’re able to do so, visit your loved one in their nursing home as often as possible both during and after the holiday season. Not only will this boost their spirits, but it can also protect them from mistreatment by letting staff know your loved one has someone looking out for them.
Abuse or neglect that begins during the holiday season may not become apparent until later in the winter or spring, but regular visits can help you spot it and take steps to correct it before it worsens and jeopardizes your loved one’s well-being.
If you even suspect your loved one is being abused or neglected in their nursing home, it’s important to take action right away. Mistreatment isn’t always obvious until residents have suffered serious harm.
The Ohio nursing home neglect attorneys at Nurenberg, Paris, Heller & McCarthy can investigate and help determine if your loved one is being mistreated by staff members and build a strong case to help your family get compensation. Reach out today for a free case review and to learn how we can help.
