We all have a broad range of basic needs that are important for our daily functioning. While food, hygiene and shelter are very important for a happy and healthy life, we are also social animals. This means that without basic human interaction and socialization, we are unable to attain a good quality of life. Long periods without any interaction can have profound affects on the brain. This can lead to mental health problems and physical ailments. This is why it is so important that residents of nursing homes are able to socialize with people on a daily basis. If they are confined to their room and have no opportunity to interact with other residents, this can constitute emotional neglect in nursing homes.
What is emotional neglect in a nursing home?
Nursing home residents have the right to have their needs met by caregivers. This includes physical needs as well as emotional needs. If a nursing home resident desperately wants to socialize with others but they are made to stay in their room for no good reason, this is denying the resident of their needs.
Suppose the carer attends to the resident’s physical needs but refuses to speak to them or treats them coldly. This could also be an instance of emotional neglect.
Seeking Damages for Emotional Neglect in Nursing Homes
By citing incidents where the resident has been emotionally neglected and by documenting the emotional damages caused, it may be possible to take legal action against the nursing home for neglect damages.
If you’re unsure, understand that Michigan is the second worst state for nursing home abuse.
It’s important to understand your rights and take swift action to put a stop to nursing home neglect in Michigan.