What Are the Warning Signs of Nursing Home Abuse in Illinois?

 Posted on February 17, 2021 in Nursing Home Abuse

Many elderly Americans need help with their daily activities. While some families are able to provide care for their loved ones, in many cases, nursing homes provide the best option, ensuring that a person will have a place to live and spend time with other people while having their needs attended to by trained staff members. Unfortunately, many elderly patients are victims of nursing home abuse. In some cases, residents will suffer abuse because of inadequate staff training or supervision, while in other situations, a member of a nursing home’s staff may be the perpetrator of physical, verbal, sexual, or financial abuse. Family members should be aware of the warning signs that may indicate that their loved one has experienced abuse.

Potential Signs That a Nursing Home Resident Is Suffering Abuse

Recognizing the signs of nursing home abuse can sometimes be difficult, especially if a patient suffers from dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, or other conditions that may prevent them from telling others about what is happening to them. In some cases, residents may be afraid to discuss these issues out of fear that they will suffer further harm. Family members will want to watch for the following warning signs that may indicate that abuse is occurring:

• Physical injuries and health issues - Any unexplained forms of physical trauma, such as cuts, bruises, or broken bones, could be signs that a resident has suffered physical abuse. Poor hygiene or unexplained weight loss may indicate that staff members are purposely withholding care or food. In addition, a resident may exhibit signs that they are being improperly restrained, such as bruises on their wrists or bedsores. Venereal diseases or injuries to a person’s genital area may be a sign that they are suffering sexual abuse.

• Emotional concerns - If a resident has withdrawn from contact with others or appears confused, agitated, or depressed, this may be a sign of emotional abuse. Patients may also react negatively to physical contact, or they may act afraid around certain staff members or be unwilling to talk about their lives or the care they are receiving.

• Financial issues - Unexplained withdrawals from a person’s bank accounts, missing items or valuables, major purchases, changes to a will or estate planning documents, or other financial concerns may indicate that a nursing home resident is suffering from financial abuse or exploitation.

Nursing home abuse can affect a person in a variety of ways, and it can lead to additional physical and emotional harm. For example, if a staff member pushes a person, causing them to suffer a fall injury, they may experience mobility issues and be confined to a bed or wheelchair for the rest of their life. This can lead to additional health problems, especially if the resident also experiences nursing home neglect and does not receive the ongoing care they need. In addition to physical pain, abuse and neglect may cause emotional trauma and social withdrawal, affecting a resident’s overall health and well-being.

Contact Our Bloomington Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers

If you believe that your loved one has suffered abuse as a nursing home resident, the skilled and compassionate lawyers of Kanoski Bresney can help you take action to hold a negligent nursing home responsible for their injuries and damages. To schedule a free consultation, contact our experienced Decatur personal injury attorneys by calling 888-826-8682 or 888-U-COUNT-2.

Sources:

https://www.aplaceformom.com/caregiver-resources/articles/elder-abuse

https://www.carepathways.com/articles/signs-of-elderly-neglect-or-abuse-in-nursing-home.cfm

https://www.helpguide.org/articles/abuse/elder-abuse-and-neglect.htm