Protect Your Family Member by Recognizing & Reporting Signs of Nursing Home Abuse

When an elderly family member has to transition to a nursing home because their needs require extra care and medical attention, the facility needs to provide a safe, clean environment with the quality of care that can put your mind at ease.

More and more facilities are not meeting the standards of care that they are required to live up to and it is important to recognize what signs to look for and how to spot and prevent abuse in order to protect your family member or loved one.

Nursing home abuse and neglect is a pervasive problem, with more and more cases coming to light every day. Many cases go unreported because families are unable to visit their loved ones on a regular basis and notice the signs of abuse, and some residents who experience abuse are unable to advocate for themselves. In some cases residents have reported incidents to staff who have ignored their pleas for help.

While there are many nursing homes and care facilities that offer excellent care, others are understaffed, and as a result residents do not receive proper care and are often neglected.

The best way to keep loved ones safe is to be aware of the signs of nursing home abuse and neglect.

There are several different types of nursing home abuse or neglect. Inadequate supervision, lack of care or attention to the physical care and hygiene of residents, verbal, sexual, and physical abuses are all prevalent in nursing homes.

Signs of nursing home abuse:

•  Dehydration
•  Bedsores
•  Burns
•  Malnourishment
•  Poor hygiene
•  Infections
•  Bruises, black eyes, unexplained injuries
•  Falls
•  Frozen joints
•  Unusual behavior
•  Depression
•  Withdrawal
•  Open wounds

These are just some of the signs that there is a good chance that abuse or neglect is taking place. Changes in behavior can be indicative of all different kinds of abuse, but can be just as telling as physical signs like bedsores, bruises, or torn or ripped clothing.

Neglect can be extremely detrimental to the health of nursing home residents. It is one of the most common forms of nursing home abuse. When a resident is neglected, it can lead to serious health issues and can be fatal. Because neglect is less obvious than other forms of abuse it can be overlooked for far too long, sometimes until it is too late. Neglect can be failure to provide medical attention, failure to provide a clean, hygienic environment, inattention to safety hazards, among others.

Missouri Nursing Home Abuse Attorneys

If you have a loved one in a nursing home and suspect that abuse or neglect could be taking place, take immediate action to protect them. You should report the possible abuse so that an investigation can take place and contact a Missouri nursing home abuse attorney who can help you to hold the nursing home accountable. Every instance of abuse that gets reported and prosecuted helps show nursing homes that abuse and neglect will not be tolerated.

Contact the Zevan and Davidson Law Firm today. We can evaluate your case and advocate for your family.

photo credit: ulrichkarljoho