A sedentary lifestyle is not healthy for anyone, especially those in a nursing home facility. Unfortunately, the majority of nursing home residents do not receive adequate physical activity during the day. By keeping your loved one sedentary, your family member is at a higher risk of nursing home abuse Daytona Beach.
Sedentary Lifestyle Leads to Health Problems
Some nursing home facilities only schedule a minimal amount of time for physical activities. Most residents remain sedentary around 80 percent of the time. Some of the lack of exercise is due to the resident’s physical condition. But other times, the staff is neglectful and ignores the health and well-being of your loved one.
A lifestyle with limited physical activities can lead to a wide range of health issues, and it can also cause a faster progression of disabling diseases and conditions such as:
- Arthritis
- Cancer
- Heart disease and stroke
- Dementia
- Depression and anxiety
- High blood pressure
- Obesity
Daily exercise can help to alleviate some of the symptoms of these illnesses and conditions.
Residents with Mobility Issues Are at Risk
Most residents with mobility issues have a high level of physical dependency on their caregivers in a nursing home. They are also at a higher risk for falls and other injuries in the facility. At some facilities, these patients are neglected by the staff. Immobilized patients can still have a limited schedule for light activity.
If the elder care facility fails to exercise or move the patient properly, they are at risk of developing bed sores. The facility has a responsibility to care for all members of the nursing home despite the resident’s physical limitations.
Bed Sores Are the First Sign of Neglect
Any resident who has mobility issues are at risk of developing a bed sore. If the resident cannot move themselves to relieve pressure points on the body, there is a higher chance for bed sores developing in that area. The facility’s staff should be vigilant and prevent bed sores on their residents.
If you are noticing bed sores, you may want to keep an eye on other signs of neglect in the nursing home. An irresponsible staff is not the cause of all bed sores, but it is a cause for concern for your loved one.
Bed sores can be found all over the body, but they are common on the elbows, shoulder blades, heels, hips, and tailbone areas. A responsible staff will do everything to ensure the resident does not develop these sores. Many immobilized patients will receive pressure-relieving devices like pillows or mattresses to stop the development of the wounds.
Legal Counsel for Your Nursing Home Abuse Case
A sedentary lifestyle can lead to many medical conditions and emotional abuse of residential patients. The staff should always act responsibly in the care of your family member. If your loved one has suffered negligent care at a nursing home, you need to contact the experienced legal team at Zimmett & Zimmett. Every resident deserves to be treated with dignity at a nursing home facility, and you should not have to worry about the level of care for your loved one. Call our office at (386) 255-6400 to schedule a consultation for your nursing home abuse case.
