Nursing home staff members should take care of the residents of the home. Elderly residents who suffer at the hands of these individuals often have a long road to recovery. This includes the time it takes to heal from the physical, mental and emotional trauma they experience. Keep a watchful eye for signs of nursing home abuse and neglect if your loved one is in a nursing home. If you notice these signs, help your loved one stop the abuse or neglect and explore the possibility of seeking compensation.
Physical injuries
Physical injuries are often the most noticeable signs of nursing home abuse. These include bruises, marks that appear on the wrists and ankles that could be from restraints, cuts, scars and welts. Marks that are symmetrical on both sides of the body are of special concern.
Frequent falls
Falls in nursing homes aren’t uncommon. However, frequent falls at the nursing facility are troublesome. Residents who fall often need help getting up and moving about. Fall precautions are necessary for these residents.
Dehydration and malnutrition
Dehydration and malnutrition are possible if the residents aren’t provided with food and drinks like they should be. Some residents might experience lack of thirst because of medications, but the staff should monitor residents for signs of dehydration and malnutrition to head off any problems.
Suspicious transactions on financial accounts
Suspicious withdrawals from bank accounts or credit card account can indicate financial abuse. Missing items, unexpected changes to estate plans and similar occurrences are also signs of financial abuse.
Seeming withdrawn
Emotional or verbal abuse often causes residents to seem withdrawn. This might manifest as significant changes in the resident’s personality. It might mimic the early signs of dementia, so keep a close eye on your loved one. Staff members might keep the resident isolated from other residents.
Not seeking medical care
Not seeking medical care is a sign of heath care abuse or neglect. Duplicate bills for services, inadequate care for paid services and lack of answers about health care issues are other signs. Not getting medications on the ordered schedules and overmedicating are signals something is amiss. Monitor your loved one’s medications to ensure the quantity remaining is where it should be.
No privacy
You might not be allowed to spend time alone with your loved one. The staff members might hover around during your visits to intimidate your loved one. This is so the resident won’t say anything about the abuse or neglect.