The signs of Nursing Home neglect are important to know for the care of your loved one. Nursing homes and care facilities are meant to provide our loved ones with a safe place to live with dignity and medical attention. However, they can be overrun with inattentive and poorly trained workers. Or they may simply be understaffed. When visiting your loved ones it’s important to stay observant to ensure their wellbeing. Visiting them regularly is very important. Look out for the following signs of nursing home abuse and neglect:
Physical Appearance
- Unexplained Bruises
- Torn or Bloody Clothing
- Changes in Hygiene
- Rapid Weight Loss
- Burns
Health
- Dehydration
- Clogged Breathing Tubes
- Malnutrition
- Medication Dosage Errors
- Broken Bones
- Infections
- Bedsores
Behavior
- Confusion
- Sudden Agitation
- Sudden Withdrawal
Abuse and neglect at nursing homes or health care facilities typically does not get better on it own. Family presence and involvement is everything. If you believe your loved one is a victim of abuse or neglect, call 911 for assistance and immediately remove them from the danger. Nursing home abuse is a felony.
We recommend documenting these incidents and taking immediate action. Good documentation also strengthens your case if it results in a criminal investigation or even a civil lawsuit. When you first noticed negative changes in your loved one, write it down with as much detail as possible (including dates and times). If appropriate, take photos as evidence of what you have observed.
Nursing home abuse is not only medical neglect and lack of care. It can include sexual abuse, emotional abuse and financial abuse. Law enforcement may be able to file criminal charges for these forms of abuse.
When nursing home abuse is reported, your family can begin to heal from the undeserved harm brought to your loved one. Reporting abuse can also bring justice to those responsible for the harm and prevent future mistreatment. Contact an attorney to learn your rights.
