What are the Signs of Nursing Home Abuse?

If you or someone you love resides in a nursing home, you may find yourself wondering about red flags or signs that the facility isn’t providing the quality care that was promised. In this post, our Houston nursing home abuse lawyer provides some helpful information about the signs of nursing home abuse or neglect. Never excuse away signs of abuse or neglect. If your instincts are telling you that something is wrong – it is worth investigating.

Nursing Home Abuse Information

While most of us hope to live long, healthy, purposeful lives, the truth of the matter is that at some point in time our bodies begin to age, our memory begins to fade a bit, and we struggle to keep up with youngsters in their teens, twenties, thirties, forties, and so on. It is important to keep our bodies and minds in top shape for as long as possible so that we can appreciate the world around us. There may come a day, though, when we face the difficult decision of placing either ourselves or our loved ones in nursing home facilities.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 1.3 million elderly people resided in nursing homes in 2015. It was found that elders who experienced abuse are 300-times more likely to suffer death than those residents who have not been abused in nursing homes and long-term care facilities. Elder abuse and neglect are defined as intentional acts by a caregiver, or person in a relationship of trust to an elder, that cause injury or create a serious risk of harm to a vulnerable elderly person.

With the elder population growing at a rapid rate, it is important to be knowledgeable of the signs of nursing home abuse.

Signs of Nursing Home Abuse

There are many red flags that may indicate something is not quite right with the care being provided in a nursing home. These red flags often vary depending on the health and healthcare needs of nursing home residents. In general, some signs of nursing home abuse that are common include:

Physical Signs of Nursing Home Abuse:

• Unusual cuts, bruising, or bleeding
• Bedsores, open wounds, or cuts
• Broken or fractured bones
• Weight loss or malnutrition
• Dehydration
  Presence of infection
• Burns and abrasions
• Loss of hair
• Lethargy or unresponsiveness

Emotional/Behavioral Signs of Nursing Home Abuse:

• Complaints of falls while at the facility
• Physical or emotional withdrawal
• Exhibiting fear of certain staff members
• Unusual mood or behavioral swings

Environmental Signs of Nursing Home Abuse:

• Poor hygiene, soiling, or smell of urine and/or feces
• Stained or bloody clothing or bedding
• Lost or missing possessions
• Unusual financial transactions

If your you or your loved one has experienced any of these signs of nursing home abuse, your first step is getting proper medical attention. Next, you may decide to confront the nursing home about the level of care, or your concerns. Document any interactions you have with the nursing home, including any complaints filed.

When you suspect nursing home abuse, it is also important that you seek legal advice in order to learn about your legal rights. At MedMalFirm.com, our nursing home abuse lawyers can help you investigate your concerns and determine if you have a nursing home abuse case. We are very familiar with the signs of nursing home abuse, and we know how to protect your legal rights and hold the facility accountable. Schedule a free consultation today by filling out our online form, or by calling us at 877-887-4850.