If you have a loved one in a nursing home, you naturally expect they will receive the best care possible. However, many families each year sadly discover this does not always happen. Unfortunately, nursing home abuse has become a major problem in the United States, with more and more cases being reported each year. Since many nursing home residents have family who cannot visit them on a daily basis, the threat of physical, emotional, and even sexual assault looms large. If you have a loved one in a nursing home and suspect abuse may be occurring, here are some signs that may indicate your greatest fears are coming true.
Unexplained Injuries
If when visiting a family member you notice injuries such as bruises, cuts, or open wounds, these could point to signs of nursing home abuse. If these injuries are noted, ask to speak with a doctor or nurse at the home immediately to find out what happened. If they cannot provide specific details or have not noted the injuries in the person’s medical records, be very concerned.
Malnourishment
When visiting a loved one, make sure you can verify they are getting proper nutrition. If they appear to have lost weight or seem malnourished in other ways, find out if a problem exists you have not been made aware of since your last visit. Since most nursing home residents are in fragile health, being malnourished can quickly lead to serious health issues or even death.
Emotional Withdrawal
If your loved one who has been outgoing and friendly suddenly begins to be very withdrawn and acting scared or intimidated, there’s a good chance they are being emotionally abused by nursing home staff, which is often in the form of yelling, mocking, humiliation, or making threats against them. When these signs are noticed, take them very seriously and make staff aware of your concerns.
Contact our Attorneys
For families who notice signs of nursing home abuse with their loved ones, it is devastating. To ensure your concerns are handled properly and taken seriously, contact an experienced and knowledgeable attorney who is skilled in handling nursing home abuse cases. By doing so, our attorney can assess your case, conduct a thorough investigation, and help to ensure your loved one will be protected from further abuse, and of course help you gain the full and fair financial compensation you and your loved one deserve.