A report from the Human Rights Watch suggests that neglect and isolation caused serious injuries to many people living in nursing homes in recent years. The report claims that many residents did not receive the most basic needs to ensure a decent quality of life. Staffing shortages have been a longstanding issue that have only intensified in recent years. The quality of care diminished even more, exposing troubling trends. If you or a loved one has been abused or neglected at an Illinois nursing home, you have every right to try to ensure that those responsible are held accountable.
Inappropriate Use of Psychotropic Medications
Psychotropic medications are used to treat mental disorders, including depression and anxiety. Unfortunately, some staff members inappropriately use the medications to subdue nursing home residents and keep them sleeping. The misuse of antipsychotic drugs and sedatives to control the behavior of nursing home residents is known as a chemical restraint. What is equally alarming is that this group found that these drugs are administered without obtaining consent from residents or their families. Side effects of the medication included confusion, lethargy, and sleepiness. In more serious cases, misuse of psychotropic medications can lead to death.
Malnourishment
There are cases of extreme weight loss examined in this report. Malnutrition is physically apparent when proper nutrition is not taking place. Healthy meals are vital for elderly people due to vitamin deficiencies and age-related conditions. Special diets are often necessary because of their age and depending on their health condition. The risks of malnutrition are great, as it leads to a variety of problems, including increased risk for falls and fractures. Malnourishment is often the result of inadequate staffing, and it could be a red flag for nursing home negligence.
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