The holiday season should be a time of warmth and connection, but in nursing homes, assisted living communities, and other long-term care facilities, it can also bring unique risks for vulnerable residents. Amongst more visitors, fewer available staff, chaotic schedules, and emotional challenges for residents, the weeks between Thanksgiving and New Years can be one of the most dangerous times of the year for elder neglect and injury.
At Blasingame, Burch, Garrard & Ashley, our nursing home abuse and neglect team wants families to know what warning signs to look for and how to protect loved ones during this busy season.
Why the Holidays Increase Risks in Long-Term Care Facilities
1. Short Staffing and Overworked Employees
The holidays often mean:
- Fewer nurses, CNAs, and other staff due to vacation requests
- Increased turnover and temporary staff unfamiliar with residents
- Fatigued workers managing heavier workloads
When staffing levels drop, the quality of care often drops with it. That can lead to:
- Less time spent with each resident
- Missed dietary restrictions
- Medication errors, including overdoses or wrong medications
- Improper transfers or dropping residents
- Delayed response times to call buttons or emergencies
Red Flags for Families:
- Resident looks dehydrated, unbathed, or unkempt
- Rapid weight loss or signs of malnutrition
- Unexplained bruises or complaints of pain
- Long wait times for assistance during your visit
2. More Visitors and Chaotic Environments
Holiday parties, family gatherings, and increased foot traffic create additional challenges inside facilities. Big crowds may strain staff even more, and strangers entering living spaces can increase risks.
How this can affect residents:
- Greater exposure to illnesses such as flu, RSV, and COVID
- Less one-on-one attention because staff are busy managing events
- Security concerns, including unfamiliar visitors near residents’ rooms
- Higher anxiety and confusion, especially for those with dementia or Alzheimer’s
Red Flags:
- Coughing, fever, or other signs of infection
- Residents wandering unsupervised during busy visiting hours
- Staff that seem overwhelmed or unavailable
- Visitors entering rooms without oversight
3. Tripping Hazards from Holiday Decorations
While festive décor can brighten the season, it often introduces dangerous clutter.
Common hazards include:
- Extension cords
- Loose rugs
- String lights
- Inflatable displays
- Oversized trees or décor blocking hallways
For older adults, especially those with mobility challenges, these hazards can cause falls that lead to:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Broken hips, legs, or arms
- Internal Bleeding
- Emergency hospitalizations
Red Flags:
- Cluttered hallways
- Poor lighting around decorations
- Cords stretched across walking paths
- Wheelchairs or walkers that cannot maneuver safely
4. Loneliness, Depression, and Wandering
The holidays can be especially painful for residents who don’t receive visitors or who are missing family traditions. Emotional distress can lead to dangerous behavior.
Residents may:
- Wander around the facility looking for family
- Attempt to leave (“elope”) during busy visiting hours
- Exit the building in cold weather, risking hypothermia
- Miss medications due to confusion
- Become disoriented in unfamiliar holiday environments
Red Flags:
- Staff is unaware of your loved one’s whereabouts
- Doors propped open or inadequate alarms
- Resident appears unusually sad, anxious, or withdrawn
- Signs of cold exposure or unexplained injuries
What Families Can Do to Protect Loved Ones
One of the most effective ways to gauge the quality of care your loved one is receiving is to make surprise visits. Dropping in unannounced, especially at different times of the day, gives you a more accurate picture of how the facility truly operates. Pay attention to overall cleanliness, how quickly staff respond to residents, and whether your loved one seems comfortable and engaged. Odors, meal quality, and noise levels can also reveal a lot about daily conditions.
It’s also important to stay in close communication with nurses, aides, and other staff members. Don’t hesitate to ask straightforward questions about who is caring for your loved one; how they’ve been eating and drinking, or when their last medication was given. Simple conversations like these help ensure accountability and encourage ongoing communication, whether you’re visiting in person or calling to check in.
If something doesn’t feel right, trust your instincts and document what you observe. Photos of hazards, injuries, or unsanitary conditions can be valuable later. Keep notes with names, dates, and details about any incident or concern, and save copies of your communications with the facility. Thorough documentation can make a major difference if questions arise later.
When a loved one shows signs of sudden decline, such as pain, confusion, infection, or unexplained injuries, seek medical care right away. Taking them to a hospital or emergency room for a full evaluation can uncover hidden issues like dehydration, medication mistakes, unnoticed fractures, or complications from neglect. Make sure to request copies of the medical records to help you understand what happened and to preserve evidence.
If you suspect abuse or neglect, report it immediately. In Georgia, concerns can be directed to the Department of Community Health, Adult Protective Services, or local law enforcement. You can also request a formal inspection or file a complaint to trigger a state investigation. These reports not only help your loved one but may also protect other residents.
Finally, contacting an experienced nursing home abuse attorney can provide clarity and support during a stressful time. Many families are unsure of their rights or how to hold a facility responsible. An attorney can investigate the circumstances, preserve key evidence, pursue compensation for injuries, and ensure the facility is held accountable for any wrongdoing, especially during the hectic holiday season when neglect often goes unnoticed.
BBGA Is Here to Protect Georgia’s Most Vulnerable Residents
The holiday season should bring joy, not danger, for nursing home and assisted living residents. By staying alert to red flags and speaking up early, families can play a vital role in keeping their loved ones safe.
If you notice signs of neglect or abuse during your holiday visits, the nursing home abuse team at Blasingame, Burch, Garrard & Ashley is here to help.
Call us anytime at 706-354-4000 or fill out our Free Case Review Form to discuss your concerns and learn your legal options.
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