How to Spot the Signs of Nursing Home Neglect

Many times we will put our grandparents, parents, and relatives in nursing homes because we believe the facility will provide the best quality care for them.

Unfortunately, elderly adults can be abused in the very nursing home that you believed was the best fit for your relative.

Since elderly residents become physically and sometimes mentally weaker, they cannot always stand up for themselves when they’re bullied. It is imperative to pay close attention to the so-called “care” being provided to your relatives because your loved one can be seriously injured if they are neglected.

At the Welcenbach Law Offices, we have experienced nursing home abuse lawyers that can help protect you and your elder’s rights if there has been abuse or neglect.

Continue reading to learn how to spot the signs of nursing home neglect.

Types of Nursing Home Neglect

Nursing home neglect can take many forms, all of which can be harmful to the residents of these facilities.

Here are some of the most common types of nursing home neglect:

• Medical — occurs when nursing home staff members fail to provide residents with adequate medical care, such as failing to administer medication, neglecting to attend to wounds or injuries, or ignoring signs of illness or infection
• Personal hygiene — occurs when nursing home staff fails to provide residents with proper hygiene care, such as bathing, grooming, and changing clothes, which can lead to infections, skin problems, and other health issues
• Nutritional — occurs when nursing home staff fail to provide residents with proper nutrition, such as providing with a well-balanced diet, adequate hydration, or help with feeding, which can lead to malnutrition, dehydration, and other health problems
• Emotional — occurs when nursing home staff fail to provide residents with emotional support, such as neglecting to provide socialization opportunities, ignoring their emotional needs, or subjecting them to emotional abuse
• Environmental — occurs when nursing home staff fail to maintain a safe and clean environment for residents, such as failing to provide adequate heating or cooling, allowing hazardous conditions to exist, or neglecting to clean or maintain the facility properly
• Financial — occurs when nursing home staff or other residents exploit the financial resources of a resident, such as stealing money or property, forging checks or financial documents, or coercing the resident to make financial transactions

It is important to note that nursing home neglect can be just as harmful as abuse, and it is the responsibility of the nursing home staff to provide a safe and healthy environment for their residents.

If you suspect that your loved one is being neglected in a nursing home, it is important to take action and seek legal assistance to protect their rights and well-being.

Spotting the Signs of Nursing Home Neglect

To determine if your loved one has been abused or neglected which resulted in injury, there are a few warning signs you will want to recognize.

Behavioral Signs

The most general signs you will first notice if an elderly person and caregiver constantly argue with each other, which results in drastic changes in behavior or personality from the elder.

Caregivers might simply explain that the elderly person has symptoms of dementia. However, you still must be cautious because while signs of elder abuse can overlap with mental deterioration, you should not dismiss them.

Physical Injuries

You can determine if elderly patients are experiencing physical abuse if you notice unexplained signs of injuries. This can include bruises, scars, or welts on their body and rope marks on their wrists due to restraints.

The caregiver might not allow you to visit your loved one alone because they fear what the elder might say. Caregivers could be emotionally abusing elders by threatening, belittling, or even controlling them. If this occurs, elders might begin mumbling to themselves or rocking back and forth.

Other Signs

Caregivers will attempt to cover up any signs of injuries and even neglect.

You will notice if your loved ones are neglected or if there is unusual weight loss, malnutrition, or dehydration. If the bed sheets and clothes are left dirty, it creates unsanitary living conditions. There could be unsafe living conditions as well from faulty electrical wiring to fire hazards.

All of these are obvious signs of caregiver neglect and you should contact an attorney immediately to discuss your rights.

What to Do If You Think You Have a Nursing Home Abuse Case

If you suspect that your loved one has been the victim of nursing home neglect, it is important to take action and seek legal assistance.

Here are the steps you can take if you think you have a nursing home abuse case:

• Document any evidence of abuse. Keep a record of any signs or symptoms of abuse, such as bruises, cuts, or unexplained injuries, as well as any changes in behavior or mood. Take pictures and videos of any physical evidence, and keep a journal of any incidents or conversations with nursing home staff.
• Report the abuse to the nursing home. Contact the nursing home administrator or staff and report your concerns. Ask for a written report of the incident, and follow up to ensure that action is taken to address the abuse.
• Contact an experienced nursing home abuse attorney. Consult with an attorney who has experience in nursing home abuse cases. They can advise you on your legal rights and options, and help you navigate the complex legal process.
• Gather medical and financial records. Obtain medical records, billing statements, and other relevant documents that may support your case. Your attorney can help you with this process.
• Consider moving your loved one to a different facility. If you have concerns about the safety of your loved one in their current nursing home, consider moving them to a different facility where they can receive better care and support.

Remember, nursing home abuse is a serious issue, and it is important to take action to protect your loved one’s health, safety, and legal rights. A nursing home abuse attorney can help you navigate the legal system and hold the nursing home accountable for its actions.

Contact Welcenbach Law Offices Today

Nursing home abuse and neglect is a devastating issues that can have horrible consequences for nursing home residents and their families. It is important to be aware of the signs of abuse and neglect and to take action if you suspect that your loved one is being mistreated.

If you believe that you have a nursing home abuse case, don’t wait. Contact an experienced nursing home abuse attorney to learn more about your legal options and to get the help you need to protect your loved one’s rights and well-being.

At Welcenbach Law Offices, we are committed to fighting for the rights of nursing home abuse victims and their family members. Our experienced attorneys are devoted to our clients and their families, and we are here to help you get the justice and compensation you deserve.

So if you suspect that your loved one has been the victim of nursing home abuse or neglect, contact us today to schedule a free consultation. Let us help you hold the nursing home accountable and get the justice you deserve.