Can You Recognize Signs Of Nursing Home Abuse And Neglect?

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Nursing home patients may experience physical or emotional abuse or neglect while in a nursing home facility. It is the responsibility of the facility to ensure that patients are safe. When this fails to happen, the facility can be held responsible.

Here are some warning signs that loved ones can look out for that may indicate abuse or neglect:

  • Unexplained injuries: Facilities should be keeping record of any injuries that occur. Look for unexplained and undocumented bruising, cuts, lacerations, and other injuries.
  • Changes in behavior: If your loved one seems unexpectedly agitated, anxious, depressed, fearful – or if you notice any major change in behavior – you should consider taking further action.
  • Infections: Infections are preventable and very dangerous for physically vulnerable nursing home residents. Infections may be the result of unsanitary conditions. One common type of infection – a urinary tract infection – may develop when nursing home staff fail to change diapers, assist residents in taking bathroom breaks, etc.
  • Bedsores: A bedsore, or pressure sore, is caused when prolonged pressure is placed on a certain area of the body. When nursing home staff fail to reposition immobile patients, bedsores may develop on the tailbone, hips, ankles, heels, and other areas of the body.

Remember: These signs do not definitively prove nursing home abuse or neglect. If you notice any of these signs, you should consider taking further action to ensure the safety of your loved one. You should also consider talking to an attorney.

Your loved one may not be able to express verbally that something is wrong. That is why it is important to look for other, nonverbal signs that something may be happening.

If you suspect that your loved one is experiencing abuse or neglect at a nursing home, talk to an attorney in a free consultation. Call 800-594-4884.