Unfortunately, we frequently hear about nursing home abuse. Frequently this comes in the form of neglect. This typically isn’t due to active malice but it’s still important to know what to look out for.
Signs of Nursing Home Abuse
There are many different types of nursing home neglect that may occur today. It’s important for you to be vigilant in looking for these things at all times. The best way to do so is to visit your loved one frequently. During those visits, there are a few things you should be on the lookout for.
Malnutrition
If your loved one is persistently hungry or has undergone unexplained weight loss it may be due to them not being fed properly.
Dehydration
Nursing homes are responsible for helping those who can’t drink on their own or tell you that they’re thirsty. Nursing home abuse occurs when this assistance isn’t given so the person grows dehydrated.
Poor Hygiene
Another possible sign of nursing home abuse is poor hygiene. This is something that caregivers should be assisting people with.
Bed Sores
When your loved one develops bedsores (a.k.a. decubitus ulcers) it’s usually because they’ve been undergoing persistent neglect. This is because these only develop when a person’s skin undergoes uninterrupted pressure. They’re particularly dangerous if left untreated because once ulcers form on your skin they can eventually result in an open wound that affects the tissue underneath it. They may even become infected if proper medical care isn’t provided right away. Once this occurs it’ll take a long time for your loved one to heal.
Unfortunately, anyone who’s bedridden is at high risk of developing these painful sores since they’re unable to turn over or adjust how they’re lying in their bed – things that caregivers should be helping them with. If caregivers are negligent in this regard it probably means that your loved one has been left lying in the same position for way too long of a time.
Medication Errors
Nursing homes are responsible for administering the medications their residents need. Failure to do so can result in your loved one experiencing any number of adverse effects.
Unexplained Injuries
There are many types of injuries that your loved one may experience simply because the nursing home hasn’t provided them with proper supervision or assistance. When caregivers are negligent in monitoring and helping residents who have mobility issues it can result in them getting cuts, bruises, or broken bones. Of course, these types of injuries may also be a result of
nursing home abuse. If you suspect this is the case, you should contact a lawyer right away.
Withdrawal
Aging can be psychologically complex. It can cause your loved ones to feel angry, anxious, socially withdrawn, or depressed because they’re experiencing many changes as they grow older. This is especially true when they first move into a nursing home. However, these issues may also be a result of neglect or abuse. This is why any significant change in your loved one’s personality or emotional state should be acted upon immediately.
Elopement
A nursing home must monitor its residents to ensure that they’re kept safe while in their facility. When this duty is neglected by caregivers residents may choose to move out of the facility. Unfortunately, this isn’t always the case for someone who’s suffering from a cognitive impairment such as dementia. Instead, these people find themselves growing confused and wandering unattended throughout the facility or even eloping. These actions can put seniors at risk of serious injuries especially when exposed to the elements.
If you feel that your loved one is suffering from nursing home abuse you should contact Blenner Law Group St Petersburg in St Peterburg, FL. They have the resources to determine how your loved one’s injuries resulted from such abuse. In doing so they’ll be able to create a strong case on your behalf to ensure you get the full compensation you deserve.
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