A、They sit or lie for a long time. B、They suffer from malnutrition. C、Their immune system is declining. D、They don’t take enough

Today I will talk about nursing home neglect. The problem can occur anywhere and can take many shapes. What makes this particularly dangerous is that it can be overlooked or ignored for so long. Even upon repeated visits to a nursing home, the signs of nursing home neglect can remain hidden. In order to understand the scope of the problem, it is important to know the different types of nursing home neglect.
    First, personal cleanliness neglect. For some elderly nursing home residents, standards of personal cleanliness are difficult to maintain without assistance from staff. Without external help, residents are left to shift for themselves for a clean change of clothes or even such basics as oral cleanliness. Victims of nursing home neglect may not receive the help they need with bathing and general cleanliness.
    Second, basic needs neglect. Though families often decide nursing homes are the best place for their elderly loved ones to receive care, nursing home neglect may take the form of a failure to provide basic needs. Food and water are the building blocks of life, but a common problem for victims of nursing home neglect is thirst and malnutrition.
    Third, medical neglect. As with basic needs, most families assume that a nursing home will provide the necessary medical care for their loved ones. This is not always the case. Pressure sores, or bed sores, are a major problem in nursing homes and result from remaining in a seated or lying position for a great length of time; they must be dealt with in a timely manner to preserve patient health. Untreated cuts, too, must be dealt with quickly to prevent systemic infection in elderly, immune-compromised patients. Additionally, many elderly people need medicine to survive. In countless cases nursing homes fail to treat entirely.
    Fourth, emotional neglect. One of the most difficult types of nursing home neglect to identify does not manifest itself in obvious physical signs. Emotional neglect can be as harmful as any physical neglect but can be much more subtle in its manifestation. Overburdened staff can often let the stress of their everyday tasks prevent friendly interaction with residents. Elderly people are susceptible to depression and may retreat to their rooms, withdraw from social activities, and be in need of emotional support and connection.
16. Why is it hard for the elderly residents to maintain personal cleanliness in nursing homes?
17. What causes pressure sores of the elderly residents in nursing homes?
18. What do we learn about emotional neglect?