Why Do Patients Often Decline Health-Wise in Nursing Homes?

The main reason for transitioning a loved one into a nursing home is a concern about their health.

Unlike a retirement community where residents can live independently, nursing home residents require a level of assistance provided by trained medical professionals. That can mean support for everything from mobility challenges to cognitive decline issues.

The hope is that nursing home residents will receive quality care, nutritious meals, and support for health issues.   

Why Do Patients Often Decline Health-wise in Nursing Homes?  

Unfortunately, this is a problem for some. This can be especially hard on a resident’s family, who thought the transition would improve their loved one’s health. If you notice a decline, there are some proactive steps you could take to reverse it. First, you need to understand why it might happen.  

Neglect and Social Isolation   

When you hear mention of nursing home abuse, you might think about physical neglect that could show up as body sores, fractures from falls, bruising, and injuries. But in most cases, those injuries are a result of neglect, and that neglect can foster feelings of social isolation.   

Isolation can cause a decline in a resident’s health in the following ways:   

Weakened Immunity  

When neglect leads to social isolation, it can trigger emotional distress. This, in turn, can weaken the immune system, putting residents at greater risk of infections and illnesses.   

Increased Blood Pressure   

Studies have shown that social isolation can lead to higher blood pressure. Chronic high blood pressure is a leading cause of heart disease. That can trigger strokes and other serious health problems.   

Depression and Anxiety  

When a nursing home resident is left alone on a consistent basis, that can generate feelings of abandonment and loneliness, which can lead to clinical depression.   

Cognitive Decline   

Many studies have shown the importance of social interaction for maintaining cognitive function in seniors. Social interaction helps keep the brain active. Without that, isolation can lead to a faster decline in cognitive functions. With residents who are already facing the challenges of dementia, it can lead to sharper declines.   

The lack of emotional support and social interaction directly diminishes a resident’s quality of life. If left unchecked, that decline can lead to fatalities.   

How to Tell if Your Loved One Is Being Emotionally Neglected   

Although your visiting time with your loved one might be limited, it will be enough time to recognize some of the signs of emotional neglect. This is what you want to look for:  

• Does your loved one appear withdrawn, sad, or irritable?  

• Have they lost interest in activities that they once enjoyed?   

• Are they uncomfortable around certain of their caregivers?   

• Are they exhibiting signs of poor personal hygiene?   

• Do they seem more fatigued than usual?   

• Are they showing signs of dehydration and malnutrition?  

A “yes” to any of those questions could indicate that your loved one is being emotionally neglected.

You should also check in with the facility to see the frequently scheduled activities for the residents to participate in. The goal should be to get them out of bed and into a social environment at least once a day.   

Steps You Can Take to Prevent Neglect   

Even though the nursing home staff is taking over the around-the-clock care of your loved one, you are still considered their primary caregiver. In that role, you can take several proactive steps to prevent the isolation of your loved one.  

Here’s what you can do:  

Schedule Regular Visits   

Scheduling regular visits with your loved one gives them something to look forward to.  

It will also help them stay connected to family and friends. These visits allow you to observe their progress and bring attention to any of your concerns.   

Rotate Your Visiting Times  

You should rotate your visits to different times of the day. This will help you see all the different staff shifts and how they interact with the residents. You can also participate in some of the group activities or mealtimes.   

Connect Through Video Calls  

If you can work it out, you can give your loved one a smartphone or iPad to allow them to make FaceTime calls. That will help them stay connected with the entire family.   

Lead Activities  

You can turn some of your visits into a social activity for all residents. For example, you could set up a bingo game, puzzle-building day, book club, or movie screening.   

Encourage Friendships   

You might be able to encourage friendships between your loved one and other residents by facilitating friendships between the residents. You are sure to discover common interests.   

Participate in Care Plan Meetings  

Every resident has a care plan that is dictated by the needs and limitations of the resident. 

You need to be actively involved in the care plan meetings. Your input will be vital to ensure your loved one is given the opportunities for social interaction they deserve.   

When Problems Persist   

When a nursing home resident experiences isolation or abuse, it is often due to understaffing and a lack of resources.  

Many nursing homes are facing staff shortages. They’re also required to meet certain staffing quotas.  If there are consistent problems with staffing shortages, it can lead to abuse.  

You should bring this issue to the attention of an attorney with experience in these situations.

That attorney will be in the best position to guide you on what legal remedies you want to pursue. When it comes to the care of your loved one, if you see something, say something.   

If you need resources to help with your situation, My Nursing Home Abuse Guide is here to help.