Because of advanced age and/or debilitating illness, a nursing home may be the best option to provide care for your elderly relative. A nursing home provides around-the-clock monitoring, personal care and medical treatment that may not be possible otherwise. Reputable, professional nursing homes are a vital part of the advanced care of many elderly patients.
Unfortunately, there are instances where patients have been abused while in the care of a nursing home. Even with the checks and balances that nursing homes use in the hiring process, it is a fact that some undesirable employees are hired. Sadly, these people inflict abuse on elderly or debilitated patient and it is an all too common occurrence. Therefore, it is vital that you recognize the types of nursing home abuse and their signs and symptoms.
Nursing home abuse can take many forms: Emotional abuse, physical abuse, sexual abuse, neglect and financial abuse or exploitation. Understand that your loved one may be reluctant to discuss possible abuse with you. They may be embarrassed about the situation or have been threatened or intimidated by the abusing staff member. Additionally, financial abuse or exploitation may not be readily seen unless you have access to the related financial records. Routine visits to your loved one will not only build up trust between you and the patient, but also allow you to make comparisons of their physical and mental condition, thereby giving you a rule to measure by.
Some of the signs of physical abuse are:
- Wounds, cuts, burns or abrasions
- Bruises, swelling or welts on the skin
- Broken bones or joints
- Unexplained weight loss
- Unexplained or hidden injuries
- Improper or unnecessary restraints
Mental abuse will manifest it presence in the attitude and emotional behavior of your loved one. Some symptoms are:
- Fear and agitation
- Depression or emotional withdrawal
- Unusual, sudden behavioral changes
- Disoriented or confused behavior
- Rude, derogatory or humiliating comments from the staff can be an indicator
When patients are not treated properly in their daily personal needs, the symptoms of elderly abuse and neglect become apparent. Some of the signs to watch for are:
- Bedsores from lying in one position for too long
- Malnutrition and dehydration
- Poor personal hygiene and an unkempt appearance
- An unsanitary environment, often accompanied by the smell of urine or feces
- Untreated medical conditions, wounds or illnesses
Financial abuse and exploitation can be recognized by:
- The patient’s unexpected or sudden selling of personal property
- Missing or stolen money and personal effects
- Radical changes in the handling of the patients personal and financial affairs
A concerned relative or guardian can also discover potential abuses by talking with other nursing home residents. Since the abused patient may be reluctant or afraid to discuss their condition, information from other patients may be a vital first step in discovering and stopping nursing home abuse.
If you suspect abuse, get more information and assistance today!
Free Consultation by a Freemont Attorney 1-800-804-5431
If you or a loved one has been the victim of nursing home abuse, contact a Freemont nursing home abuse attorney to find out what your rights are in this situation. If you have sustained injury or trauma as a result of abuse or negligent behavior, you may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, physical and emotional trauma, and other costs. Contact a Freemont nursing home abuse attorney today for a free consultation. Call for a confidential talk with an experienced and caring Freemont elder abuse attorney who can give you sound advice on how to pursue your injury claim.
As your Freemont elder care abuse lawyer, we provide Free telephone, home or hospital consultations. We provide evening and weekend appointments. We have offices throughout Freemont for your convenience. We have successfully resolved thousands of cases in Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino, Orange County, Oakland, San Francisco, Santa Barbara, Santa Cruz, San Jose, Fresno and Bakersfield. .
