Nursing Home Abuse: How to Know When to Do Something About It
No one wants to think about their loved ones being mistreated while living in a nursing home, but the sad reality is that nursing home abuse does occur.
It’s important to be aware of the signs of nursing home abuse so that you can take action if needed.
In this article, you will learn about the signs of nursing home abuse, as well as what you can do if you suspect that your loved one is being abused.
When They Complain
As soon as your loved one complains about not being cared for properly, you should probably look into it.
The attorneys at The 702 Firm say that neglect occurs very often in nursing homes. If your loved one isn’t being taken care of in the way they should be, then they may have a case for nursing home abuse.
If you think that they’re being neglected, the first thing you should do is talk to the staff at the nursing home. See if they are aware of the situation and if they are doing anything about it. If they aren’t, then you may need to take action yourself.
When Your Loved Ones Are Emotionally Upset
Learn how to recognize signs of emotional abuse in nursing homes and when to take action. No one ever wants to see their loved ones experience abuse, especially in a setting like a nursing home.
However, when your elderly family member is suddenly emotional or upset for no apparent reason, it might be time to start asking some questions about what’s going on behind closed doors.
There are many different types of abuse that can occur in nursing homes, but emotional abuse is often one of the most difficult to identify.
This type of abuse can involve verbal attacks, threats, humiliation, or even isolation from friends and family members. Oftentimes, the victim will not want to talk about the situation out of fear or shame.
Nursing home workers also tend to gaslight their victims, which means they convince them that their perceptions are wrong. For example, a caregiver might tell an elderly patient that their family member never visits when, in reality, they visit all the time.
Physical Signs
In case nursing home workers are acting aggressively towards your loved ones, you will be able to notice it.
The most common physical signs of physical abuse are the following:
- Bruises
- Scratches
- Marks on the skin
- Broken bones
- Sprains or dislocations
- Open wounds
- Burns
If you notice any of these physical signs on your loved one’s body, it is time to take action. You should take them to the hospital immediately and file a police report.
Don’t hesitate to contact an attorney as well, who can help you navigate this difficult situation.
When Your Loved One Experiences Fatigue
When you visit your elderly in a nursing home, and it seems to you that they are unusually tired, it may be time to check in with the staff about their level of activity and care.
It is not uncommon for nursing home residents to experience fatigue. However, when this fatigue is accompanied by other changes in mood or behavior, it could be a sign of abuse or neglect.
If your loved one complains of being tired all the time, make sure to ask the staff how much they are sleeping and if they are getting enough rest. It is also important to ask about their diet and if they are getting enough nutrients.
When You Notice Malnutrition
Older people usually have very specific diets that are essential for their well-being. If you notice that your loved one in a nursing home is not being given the right food, or if they are losing weight rapidly, this could be a sign of abuse.
If you see any signs of malnutrition in your loved one, it’s important to speak up and do something about it. Nursing home staff should be able to tell you what the problem is and help get your loved one back on track with their diet.
However, if they are unresponsive or dismissive, it may be time to seek legal help.
In Case You Suspect Stealing
Another common occurrence of nursing home abuse is stealing. This could be anything from small personal items like jewelry to large amounts of cash. Often, residents are not even aware that their belongings have gone missing until it’s too late.
If you suspect that your loved one is the victim of nursing home theft, you should first talk to other residents and staff members to see if anyone has any information about what may have happened.
Always keep an eye on your loved one’s belongings and make sure they are properly secured and don’t forget to contact the police and file a report.
Nursing home abuse is something that happens very often and you should know when to react. Make sure to listen to complaints about neglect and how to notice emotional unrest.
Also, look over your loved ones to see any physical signs of abuse. See if they’re experiencing fatigue as it’s another sign of neglect and see if their diet is right.
Finally, always check if everything they have in their rooms is there, and nothing is stolen. All these situations could be taken to court so lawyer up!