Are there common Nursing Home Abuse warning signs? The unfortunate truth is that the nursing facilities that are supposed to serve and protect some of the most vulnerable members of society are sometimes the perpetrators of that abuse. Sometimes profit motive drives the abuse: short staffing and resulting infrequent contact with residents can leave the elderly just as physically and psychologically damaged as perpetrators who intentionally harm them. Intentional physical abuse is seldom merely the result of a single bad actor abusing a resident; systemic problems at a home may contribute to the abuse and neglect suffered by residents.
Signs of physical abuse may include:
- Pressure and bed sores
- Large bruises or bruises that show the outline of an object or hand
- Excessive drugging
- Weight loss
- Burns, and
- Call buttons that have either been disabled or moved out of a resident’s reach.
Financial abuse is also a significant problem for many nursing home residents and may be present in a physically abusive situation or stand on its own. Financial abuse can leave an elderly loved one destitute. Signs of financial abuse may include:
- Unpaid bills despite sufficient financial resources
- Excessive staff attention to the elders finances
- Unexplained charges on credit and debit cards
- Extra attention by a person who is a stranger, or
- Missing or changed legal documents like a will, trust or power of attorney.
If you notice one or more signs that a loved one is suffering abuse in a nursing home, the first priority may be to extract him or her from the situation. Medical and psychological care and a financial evaluation may also be in order. Contact our elder abuse litigation lawyers and schedule a consultation with one of our attorneys. We may be able to help you navigate a difficult situation and determine the best path to recovery for your loved one.
