3 Warning Signs of Nursing Home Abuse
It can be completely heartbreaking to discover a loved one has been abused at the nursing home they're living in. After all, their caregivers are meant to do just that: provide care. Nobody expects that their loved one will be abused, and it can be shocking when evidence of this abuse surfaces. Sadly, sometimes these discoveries are made after an irreversible amount of damage has already been done. By knowing about some of the warning signs of nursing home abuse early on, you may be able to take action before it's too late.
Some potential warning signs of nursing home abuse to look out for include:
The Person Seems Withdrawn
Does your normally chipper, talkative loved one suddenly seem withdrawn and quiet? There may be a reason for this. Many family members automatically assume it's just a normal part of the aging process, but this isn't necessarily the case. Elderly abuse victims may be too afraid to say anything about what's happening, and as a result, may just shut down completely. Other times, personality changes can be the direct result of the medications they are on; they could be heavily sedated when it is completely unnecessary.
Unexplained Injuries
If you've noticed that your loved one has been getting injured, you may be hearing some of the same excuses over and over again, such as accidental falls. While this may be the case, it's important to be alert of these changes and investigate. If you discover your loved one has been injured intentionally, you'll want to take action immediately. Even accidental injuries are inexcusable, as it's the responsibility of the caregivers to ensure the safety of their patients.
Bedsores
Neglect is one of the most common forms of nursing home abuse. When patients are neglected and not taken care of as they should be, they often develop bedsores after remaining in the same position for too long. If you've noticed any bedsores on your loved one during your visits, this could be a huge red flag that they are not receiving the level of care they should be, and it's crucial to act immediately.
Has a beloved family member fallen victim to nursing home abuse? Our lawyers empathize and want to help. Contact our nursing home abuse lawyers today to learn more about how you may qualify for monetary compensation in a nursing home abuse case.