Elder
Abuse in Nursing Homes
Elder
abuse in nursing homes occurs nation wide on a daily basis.
We do our homework in hopes the home we choose will be the
right one, but all to often it is not. What follows are some
of the early warning signs of elder abuse in nursing homes.
If you see any of these signs you should contact
an elder abuse attorney. What may seem to be a minor elder
abuse signal may be the result of a much greater problem.
An elder abuse attorney that specializes in nursing home neglect
has the resources to conduct independent research to determine
if fact if your loved one is being abused.
Elder
Abuse Warning Signs
First, look for physical signs of elder abuse such as, bed
sores, rapid weight gain or loss, frequent or unusual fractures
and breaks, malnutrition or dehydration, over medicated, arks
on the wrists (restraints?), lack of activity, untrained staff,
isolated in their room, and/or bruises or other marks on the
body.
NOTE:
Your loved one may not tell you about because they may be
too frightened, they may be threatened by the abuser, they
may think that the elder abuse is normal, they may not even
be aware they are being abused. And finally, they may feel
they deserve to be punished.
Other
signs of elder abuse may come from the abusers themselves.
They (the abusers) may not call when your loved one is taken
to the hospital for treatments. The staff may not be keeping
you informed of what is going on with your loved on. They
can't explain odd marks or bruises on the elder. Frequent
emergency room visits, and not contacting you when the latter
occurs.
As
always, if you are suspicious, call an elder
abuse attorney that specializes in Elder and Long Term
Healthcare Law!
Signs
of Elder Abuse:
1. Unexplained bruises, cuts, burns, sprains, or fractures
in various stages of healing
2. Bedsores or frozen joints
3. Unexplained venereal disease or genital infections;
vaginal or anal bleeding; torn, stained, or blooding underclothing
4. Sudden changes in behavior
5. Staff refusing to allow visitors to see resident or
delays in allowing visitors to see resident
6. Staff not allowing resident to be alone with visitor
7. Resident being kept in an over-medicated state
8. Loss of resident's possessions
9. Sudden large withdrawals from bank accounts or changes
in banking practices
10. Abrupt changes in will or other financial documents |
Choosing
a good nursing home. Put out by the American Association
of Retired Persons
If you, or someone you love, has been effected by Nursing Home Abuse, please contact us to speak with an attorney about your legal rights!
Back
to Top
|
