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When visiting a loved one who resides in a nursing home or assisted living facility, don't hesitate to take action if you ever suspect signs of abuse. Reporting the issue sooner than later can help protect the safety of your loved ones.
Types of Abuse
When referring to nursing home abuse, physical abuse is typically the image that comes to mind. However, there are many forms of nursing home abuse and neglect. Other forms of abuse may include:
Emotional abuse. This can be anything that could harm the resident's psychological well-being. This form of abuse may not leave physical damage, but it could still be just as equally harmful, causing them to suffer from anxiety and depression. Emotional abuse can include yelling, isolating the resident from friends and family, or taunting them.
Sexual Abuse. Nursing home residents can suffer from sexual battery. This form of abuse is classified as any unwanted sexual activity.
Financial Abuse. Sometimes unethical staff members take advantage of elderly residents by stealing their money. Residents usually have retirement savings, credit cards, and unsupervised finances, which the negligent staff member steals.
Warning Signs
Recognizing signs of abuse in residents is key to ensuring their safety at a nursing home. Signs may be obvious, but oftentimes, they are subtle, so it's important to be aware of everything. You may notice physical signs such as:
- Bedsores
- Dehydration or malnutrition
- Broken bones
- Cuts or skin tears
- Bruises
- Dirty bedsheets
- Head or dental injuries
Signs of verbal and emotional abuse may not be as easy to recognize, causing the issue to persist longer than it should. Try actively engaging in conversation by asking questions when visiting your loved one. You may begin to notice some of these signs:
- Anxiety
- Suicidal thoughts
- Lack of confidence
- Inappropriate physical contact from staff members
- newly opened credit cards or strange charges
- Welts around genitals
Warning Signs in Staff
Sometimes there are warning signs present in the behaviors of the staff as well. Pay attention to things such as:
- Improperly prescribing medication
- Failure to respond to calls for assistance
- Disrespect or poor attitudes when converting with the resident
- Not responding to concerns the resident may have regarding their care
If you think you may have a nursing home abuse case and need to seek legal advice, we can help. Here at Grossman Green PLLC, we have the experience to handle cases just like yours. Call us at (502) 215-3344, or visit us only to get started with your free consultation today.