5 Signs Of Nursing Home Abuse That You Need To Recognize
When we place our aging loved ones in nursing care we do so with the trust that they will be cared for with love and respect; however, sometimes this trust can be broken. When we find out that our loved ones have been mistreated, it can be a difficult time for everyone involved. If you are uncertain about whether or not you should contact a nursing home neglect lawyer, here are a few case types that definitely require it.
Signs That Require Contacting Nursing Home Neglect Lawyers
Neglect and abuse should never be ignored. Here are some of the most important things to look for when deciding to contact a lawyer for legal advice, or to represent your lawsuit.
- Physical Abuse. If you have begun to notice signs of injury, you should never hesitate to ask your loved one where it came from. You should also take the opportunity to speak with the staff about the incident. If you feel at anytime your concerns aren’t being addressed, or if you feel something is being purposefully hidden, it’s time to take further action. Some signs to lookout for can include: bruising, broken bones, signs of restraint around the ankles or wrists, scrapes, or burns. If you notice any of these signs reach out to a nursing home neglect lawyer immediately.
- Psychological Abuse. This type of abuse can be more difficult to pinpoint but it is just as harmful as physical abuse. It can be classified as harassment, threats, intimidation, or intentionally scaring a resident. A couple ways to detect this is by looking for signs of: anxiety, depression, aversion of specific staff members, and isolation. If your loved one is displaying any of these signs, don’t hesitate to ask questions and seek further action if necessary.
- Neglect. General neglect is one of the most prevalent issues nursing home residents can face. Sometimes this is unintentional, especially if the building is overpopulated and understaffed, something that then falls to the administration to fix. However, this does not excuse the actions. If you notice anything such as: bedsores, poor hygiene, untreated medical issues, weight loss, or dehydration, it could point to neglect. Question the staff and administrators, and if unsatisfied that action isn’t going to be taken, reach out to a nursing home neglect lawyer. Sometimes the knowledge of a potential lawsuit can help put the wheels in motion for real change.
- Restricted Visitation. A nursing home should never prevent you from visiting your loved one. If you’re ever denied a visit, ask for an explanation and don’t let the issue slide. If they tell you it’s because the resident is ill or asleep, you should be skeptical, or at least ask for documented proof of an illness. Sometimes visits can be denied simply because the administration wants to hide specific conditions and potential code violations. However, regardless of explanation, you should never be denied a visit with your family member, and if the facility ever tries, it’s time to call a lawyer.
- Financial Abuse. If your loved one’s bank account suddenly undergoes a large withdrawal, it’s worth looking into; even if it’s not the nursing homes fault. However, it could be due to a staff member unlawfully using a debit card. Any suspicious financial activity should be quickly questioned and looked into. In some cases it’s possible for cash to go missing within the facility. While it may be misplaced, it could also point to theft. This type of abuse is difficult to pinpoint, but any suspicions should warrant immediate investigation.
These are a couple of the most common forms of abuse that you should be aware of. If you suspect anything is wrong, don’t hesitate to ask questions and demand answers. When it comes to the care of your loved one, you have the right to know that they are being taken care of.