Personal Injury Law

The Holiday Season Is A Great Time To Visit The Elderly and Sick As Well As Look for Signs of Possible Boston Nursing Home Neglect or Abuse

By Altman & Altman

The holidays can be a lonely time for many people who are away from family and staying at Massachusetts assisted living facility. Visiting your elderly or sick relative or friend at an assisted living facility is a great way to brighten up the season for them. It also is an opportunity to make sure that they aren't suffering from Boston nursing home abuse or neglect.

With so many people living longer lives, more elderly persons are ending up at assisted living facilities where they are supposed to get the and community that they need. Unfortunately, Massachusetts nursing home neglect and abuse do happen and it is the residents who suffer.

Signs that your loved one is suffering from nursing home neglect or abuse:
? Unexplained bruises, broken bones, or other injuries
? Sudden weight loss or weight gain
? Pressure sores
? The resident has become withdrawn, agitated, afraid, or depressed
? Dehydration or malnutrition
? Medication mistakes
? Bad hygiene or grooming
? Soiled sheets that aren?t regularly changed
? The inability of nursing home staff to explain a patient?s injuries
? Sudden deterioration of health

How to plan for and make the most of your holiday visit at a Boston nursing home:
? Make sure you come during visiting hours and allow for plenty of time together.
? If permitted, bringing the patient?s grandchildren or grand nieces or nephews with you can brighten up the day.
? Bring presents, hugs, and plenty of good cheer.
? Consider games or activities that your loved one can participate in and enjoy.

That said, it doesn?t have to be a special occasion or season for it to be a good time to visit your loved one at a long-term care facility. Visiting a nursing home resident often can allow for quality time spent together while giving you the opportunity to check in and make sure that your loved one isn?t suffering because of Boston nursing home negligence.

Residential Long Term Care ? Your Options: Nursing Home Residents Should Enjoy the Holidays Too!, HelpStartHere.org

Holiday visits contribute to older adults..., UW Extension, December 3, 2010

Related Web Resources:
Nursing Homes, Mass.gov

Nursing Home Compare, Medicare.gov

Full post as published by Boston Injury Lawyer Blog on December 08, 2010 (boomark / email).