Something changed, and you may not be sure what it is. Your loved one may be distant, no longer communicating with you as they did, or suffering from numerous ailments. It could be these are signs of nursing home neglect or abuse. If your loved one is suffering from any type of emergency, get help for them right away. Then, seek legal guidance from a Butte nursing home abuse attorney from Everett Cook Law.
Here are some of the most common signs of nursing home abuse or neglect you should never ignore.
Warning Signs of Physical Abuse of an Elderly Person in a Nursing Home
Physical abuse includes any type of injury. Do not allow nursing staff or even your family member to avoid answering questions about any of these signs, as noted by the U.S. Department of Justice.
- Bruises, lacerations, welts, or rope marks
- Broken glasses
- Untreated injuries at various stages of healing
- Open wounds or cuts, punctures, burn marks, or areas of unknown discoloration
- Sprains or dislocations
- Refusal to allow visitors to see or speak to the adult alone
- Reports of being hit, kicked, or otherwise mistreated
- Lab findings indicating medication overdosing or not receiving the medication prescribed
These are not always obvious. Individuals may hide their injuries out of embarrassment or fear of repercussions.
Warning Signs of Emotional Abuse of an Elderly Person in a Nursing Home
Changes in your loved one’s behavior or demeanor can indicate emotional or psychological abuse. Examples of warning signs include:
- Isolation of an older adult
- Emotionally upset or agitated but unwilling to speak about it
- Extreme withdrawal and non-communicative
- Depression or anxiety
- Sucking, biting, or rocking behavior
- Changes in personality, including constant apologizing
- Reports of verbal or emotional mistreatment
If your loved one is suddenly different, and you’re not sure why, it can be critical to seek help for what’s changed.
Warning Signs of Financial Exploitation of Older Adults in a Nursing Home
Financial abuse can occur in many ways and is often easily hidden. Examples of warning signs to monitor for include:
- Sudden changes in banking processes, practices, or use of funds, such as withdrawals or transfers
- New names added to an older adult’s banking, debit card, or credit cards
- Withdrawals from an ATM
- Funds or valuable loss
- Bills charged to healthcare or Medicare that do not align with the services received
- Forged documents with financial transactions
- Changes in the title of assets or changes to a will
Monitor your loved one’s overall financial well-being on a consistent basis. Many of these abuses can happen for months before anyone notices.
Warning Signs of Neglect of an Elderly Person in a Nursing Home
Neglect is unfortunately common and often blamed on being understaffed. Warning signs that indicate failures include:
- Dehydration, malnutrition, or untreated medical needs
- Poor personal hygiene
- Wearing the same clothing more than one day in a row
- Hazardous or unsafe living conditions, such as a lack of water, food, heat, light, or support for using the bathroom
- Reports of being left alone or not having anyone come to help them
- Lack of cleanliness leading to a tripping hazard
Any indication of these types of signs may warrant calling 911 for medical care. Your loved one may not be able to tell you what happened.
Schedule a Consultation to Learn Your Rights
At Everett Cook Law, our nursing home abuse attorney can answer your questions. Set up a free consultation to get immediate help.