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Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect: What to Look for and What to Do If You Suspect It
Irene Robertson
If you have an aging loved one who resides in a nursing home, you probably agonized over the initial decision and continually worry about their physical, emotional, and mental well-being. While nursing home neglect and abuse can happen to those with even the most involved families, there are a few things you can do to lessen the odds. Below are common types of nursing home neglect and abuse, what to look for, and what to do if neglect and abuse are suspected.
Types of Abuse
Abuse can come in many shapes and forms. The abuse suffered by nursing home patients can be physical, mental, emotional, sexual, and financial. Neglect is also a form of abuse.
Physical and financial abuse are two of the easiest abuses to prove, which is why many abusers will resort to using mental, emotional, and sexual abuse to harm their victims. In all cases of abuse, the victim is helpless, and in certain cases, the victim may not even be aware it is occurring. Many abusers pick victims who are the weakest, or those with the least amount of outside family contact so as not to be caught.
Signs of Abuse
Even if you don't suspect abuse, it's important that you're hypervigilant of any signs of abuse or neglect while visiting with your loved one. Signs can be subtle, but noticing such signs can mean the difference between life and death.
The easiest signs to look for are physical, such as unexplained injuries. Physical injuries consistent with abuse include restraint marks on the wrists and ankles, as well as object-shaped bruises. Sudden changes in mood and behavior can be common signs of abuse as well, as your loved one may not know how to deal with the pain and fear they're experiencing, so instead they lash out. These changes can include sudden mood swings and bouts of depression. If you're concerned about your loved one, it's a good idea to stop by at different times throughout the week. This may give you a better idea of the general care your loved one is receiving. Other signs to look for are unsanitary conditions and a loved one who is chronically over medicated for non-apparent reasons.
What to Do if You Suspect Elder Abuse
If you have suspicions of elder abuse, it's best to deal with them immediately. For best results, contact an attorney who specializes in nursing home abuse and neglect.
An experienced attorney can help you to sort through the evidence you've collected and decide whether your fears are founded. Nursing homes must meet minimum standards of care, which is something that lawyers can use to prove abuse and neglect. The evidence your lawyer will collect will usually focus on the nursing home's duty of care, and whether or not they've met that or not. As a result of your lawyer's investigation, the nursing home could potentially lose their license, which means they'll never be able to harm others. Your loved one could also be reimbursed for their pain and suffering, as well as resulting medical costs of the abuse and neglect.
Nursing home abuse and neglect can be tricky to prove. If you suspect abuse of your loved one, contact a nursing home abuse and neglect attorney like Large & Associates Attorneys immediately. They'll be able to help you collect the information and evidence you need to make the best choices possible for your loved one.
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