When families select a nursing home facility in New York to help care for their elderly loved one, they are relying on the staff members to provide unparalleled care that is supported by values like respect, empathy and loyalty. However, there are undoubtedly those establishments that have underlying problems with the quality of their care making the risks of elder abuse much more prevalent. Fortunately, people can watch for warning signs within a facility’s environment to identify potential risks that could indicate ongoing issues.
One of the aspects that families should thoroughly inspect when searching for a trustworthy nursing home is the facility’s environment. They should watch for staff members that know the names of their residents and appear to be engaged in caring for them. There should be a fun and consistent social environment, as well as a general feeling of satisfaction from the residents who should all appear to be well taken care of and happy.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, facilities that have issues with maintaining a qualified staff can be at a higher risk of resident abuse if workers are overtired and lack the patience, support and resources to be effective in their jobs. Staff members that are unsympathetic toward resident needs and a visible lack of support or intervention coming from the facility’s management are other red flags.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warn people that elder abuse can instill in residents a feeling of learned helplessness as they feel they cannot control their situation. In addition to physical effects of abuse, there can also be lasting psychological repercussions including post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety and fear.
