Signs of Nursing Home Abuse

It can be difficult to imagine that nursing home residents are abused every day. Sadly, this is the reality for too many elderly, who are subjected to financial, emotional, or physical abuse by their own caretakers. 

Part of being able to protect your loved one in a nursing home involves being aware of what to look for. When you suspect abuse has occurred, you may be able to file a claim against the responsible party for the losses your loved one has suffered. Read on to learn about some of the signs of nursing home abuse, and then reach out to a dedicated Charlotte personal injury lawyer for help seeking justice. 

Main Types of Abuse Suffered in Nursing Homes

The mistreatment of nursing home residents is a sadly frequent occurrence. Abuse, which is intentionally causing harm through injury or other actions, can be compared to neglect, which is the failure to provide adequate care either knowingly or unknowingly. In both cases, the victims of nursing home abuse or neglect are being deprived of their fundamental rights. 

Some examples of each could include: 

• Physical assault
• Failure to provide food or water
• Sexual assault
• Unwarranted or unreasonable exclusion or isolation 
• Bed injuries
• Financial abuse
• Being kept in a dirty environment

Because caretakers or other employees of nursing homes are directly responsible for so many aspects of your loved one’s care, the potential for abuse is massive. If you do suspect abuse or neglect, however, filing a claim against the responsible parties could help you reach a financial settlement for your loved one’s damages.  

Signs of Nursing Home Abuse

Part of preventing nursing abuse from happening in the first place is knowing what to look for. Similarly, understanding the signs of nursing home abuse—no matter how subtle they may appear—can help you to take decisive action when your loved one’s health and well-being are at stake. 

Be on the lookout for some of the following signs or symptoms of abuse from your loved one in a nursing home: 

• Sudden, unreasonable mood shifts
• Bruises, cuts, or lacerations
• Broken bones
• Malnutrition/dehydration
• Losing weight
• Bedsores
• Unsanitary living conditions 
• Unexplained financial transactions or withdrawals 
• Refusal to speak in front of staff members
• Frequent illnesses often reported to the family

How to Document Nursing Home Abuse

Suspecting nursing home abuse and getting your loved one to safety is just the first step. If you feel abuse was a factor, knowing how to prove it with evidence could be the difference between being awarded compensation or not. 

Some ways to document nursing home abuse include: 

• Photographing unsanitary conditions 
• Asking your loved one or other residents about their level of care
• Reviewing medical records
• Collecting bank statements (for cases of financial abuse)

If you need help filing a claim, a trusted lawyer will help. 

Contact a Lawyer for Help Seeking Compensation

At The Nye Law Group, we can help you ensure justice is done for your loved one’s nursing home abuse. Call us at 704-285-6319 or fill out the form below to get started with a free consultation with a lawyer.