Signs That Your Loved One May Be Neglected or Abused in a Nursing Home

 Posted on November 20, 2020 in Nursing Home Abuse

Moving a parent, grandparent, or any relative into a nursing home is never an easy task. If you have an elderly or disabled loved one who is staying in a nursing home, you may be worried about the quality of care he or she is receiving. Although many nursing home workers are kind, caring, proficient caregivers, some nursing home staff expose residents to unlawful neglect or even abuse. Research shows that many nursing homes are dangerously understaffed or employ workers who do not have adequate training. This is why it is essential for anyone with a loved one in a nursing home to be vigilant for recognizing signs of nursing home neglect and abuse.

Unexplained Injuries and Preventable Medical Conditions
Most nursing home residents need assistance with daily living tasks like eating meals, showering, and using the restroom as well as managing their medical conditions. Poor hygiene, malnutrition, and dehydration are often red flags of nursing home neglect. Some residents suffer from severe physical disabilities or cognitive incapacitation that make them completely reliant on nursing home staff. Decubitus ulcers or bedsores are an especially serious concern for residents who have reduced mobility. Workers at these long-term care facilities should periodically reposition residents who cannot move about on their own so that bedsores do not develop. If a resident does develop bedsores, it should be immediately addressed so that the wound does not become infected. Frequent bedsores or bedsores that are not adequately treated can be a sign that a resident is being neglected. Unexplained injuries like bruises, scrapes, and fractures may also be a sign of neglect or abuse.

Behavior Changes and Uncooperative Staff
Abused residents may be unable to communicate the abuse that they have suffered due to medical conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease or dementia. Other times, patients stay silent about abuse because they are ashamed or they fear retaliation. Residents who are afraid of certain staff members, who are easily startled, or who exhibit unusual behaviors like thumb sucking or rocking may be suffering the psychological effects of abuse. If you are worried about a change in your loved one’s behavior, speak to the nursing home management right away about your concerns. Staff personnel who have nothing to hide should be cooperative and willing to help you determine the reasons for your loved one’s change in mood or behavior. If employees dismiss your concerns, act defensively, or are reluctant to leave you alone with your loved one, this may be a sign that they have mistreated the resident.

Contact a Peoria Nursing Home Injury Attorney
Nursing home residents deserve to be treated with the utmost compassion and respect. If you suspect that your loved one has suffered from abuse or neglect while living in a nursing home, it is imperative that you consult with professional legal counsel. Filing a personal injury claim may enable you to hold the negligent nursing home accountable. To learn more, speak with a skilled Springfield personal injury lawyer from the accomplished law firm of Kanoski Bresney as soon as possible. Call our office today at 888-826-8682 to schedule a free initial consultation.

Sources:
https://www.nextavenue.org/6-signs-of-nursing-home-neglect/
https://advancedtissue.com/2015/05/5-tips-for-preventing-bed-sores-in-bedridden-patients/