Signs of Nursing Home Abuse
Accident & Injury Medical Malpractice Accident & Injury Accident & Injury Wrongful Death
Summary: Most Common Signs of Nursing Home Abuse
Signs
of Nursing Home Abuse
In
an effort to make as much money as possible, nursing homes are increasingly
hiring employees that are not qualified nor properly trained to take care of
elderly patients. What oftentimes
results from this is the abuse and neglect of nursing home residents. More often than not, management is aware of
this problem and they either turn a blind eye or they complaint to their
regional manager who does nothing to help solve the problem. The other problem is that many nursing home
residents cannot complain due to dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. However, you can help you loved one by being
on the lookout for signs of abuse and neglect.
Physical
abuse can be anything from assault and battery to rape. It can also be forced restraint (either
physically or by using medications that keep the resident “zoned out” all of
the time). Emotional abuse may include
humiliation, name calling, threats, ignoring a resident or placing a resident
in isolation. Neglect can be anything
from withholding food or water, failure to change a resident’s bed clothes or
adult diaper to withholding medications.
Obvious
Signs of Abuse
·
Burns
or abrasions;
·
Cuts;
·
Bruises;
·
Open
wounds or bed sores;
·
Sudden
weight loss;
·
Poor
hygiene (leaving your loved one in their own feces or urine for extended
periods of time);
·
Torn,
stained or bloody clothes or bedding.
Not
So Obvious Signs of Abuse
·
Your
loved one becomes unresponsive or listless;
·
Strange
behavior (especially if that behavior seems to be directed at one staff
member);
·
Personal
items disappearing;
·
Stolen
money or unusual transfers (if the resident still handles their own finances);
·
Physical
or emotional withdrawal.
Lastly, look out
for any unusual activity by the staff.
For example if you arrive at the facility during regular visiting hours
and the staff refuses or delays access to your loved one, or a staff member
refuses to give you alone time with your loved one, these may be signs that
something is wrong and you should contact the nursing home administrator
immediately and make them aware of the problem.
If you believe
that your loved one has been abused at a nursing home, please call us today for
a free evaluation. (800) 554-9290.