Common Signs of Nursing Home Abuse You Should Know

As your parents or close loved ones age, they might require additional care that you cannot give them. You may need to rely on a nursing home to provide the round-the-clock care that your loved one needs. So you painstakingly do research in finding the right nursing home because you want a place that would treat your family member with respect, compassion and dignity just as you do.

You expect that the nursing home you choose for your loved one will provide the best care possible; however, sadly, this is often not the case. It is estimated that some form of abuse occurs at 1 in 3 nursing homes which is an alarming statistic.  The abuse that residents experience usually involves some form of verbal, physical, mental or sexual abuse.  Unfortunately, many cases of nursing home abuse go unreported. It’s imperative to educate yourself and the warning signs to look for in abuse. Knowing the warning signs will help ensure that your loved one is safe and secure in the nursing home that you have chosen for their care.

Types of Abuse

Abuse can occur in a multitude of ways in a nursing home. Some of the most common forms of abuse include:

•   Verbal abuse

•   Mental abuse

•    Assault and battery

•   Lack of appropriate care (not receiving proper medical care, not being bathed, not being fed, etc.)

•   Rape, sexual assault or battery

•  Physical restraint or seclusion that is unreasonable and unnecessary

•  Use of a chemical restraint (psychotropic medication) for any reason that is not consistent with what a physician has authorized

Know the Signs

If your loved one lives in a nursing home, being aware of the signs of abuse is a necessity to ensure your loved one is not harmed. The following are common physical and emotional signs that may indicate abuse:

• Bed sores

• Dehydration

• Excessive weight loss

• Bruises, cuts or scraps

• Head injuries

• Fractures

• Infections

• Suddenly emotionally upset

• Suddenly agitated

• Extremely withdrawn

• Stops speaking

• Frightened, especially when a caretaker is near

• Poor hygiene

• Sudden changes in behavior, such as sucking, rocking or biting

What to Do if You Suspect Nursing Home Abuse?

If you suspect that a loved one or any other resident receiving care in a nursing home is being abused, you should contact Siler and Ingber, LLP for a free consultation at 1-877-529-4343 immediately.  We are a law firm with a team of experienced attorneys who fully understand the law regarding nursing home abuse.  We will provide the guidance and support that is needed in filing a legal claim. We will fight to defend the rights of your loved one because we care about our clients and their well-being. All cases are handled on a contingency basis, so there is no fee if there is no recovery.