Remain Vigilant For These Signs Of Nursing Home Abuse

Nursing home abuse can take many forms, many of which leave no physical trace. In other cases, neglect or abuse may occur so gradually that changes in personality go unnoticed or are attributed to other things. Unfortunately, when left unchecked, nursing home abuse or neglect can have devastating consequences for nursing home residents, many of whom are elderly and already suffering from medical conditions. This makes it particularly important for the family members and loved ones of nursing home residents to keep an eye out for specific warning signs, which could reveal systematic abuse or neglect. When abuse is discovered, the nursing home responsible can be held liable for resulting damages, so if your own loved one was abused while living at a nursing home or assisted living facility, it is important to speak with an experienced Tulsa nursing home abuse lawyer who can walk you through your legal options.

Physical Injuries

Some forms of abuse leave behind physical signs, including injuries like broken bones, lacerations, and bruising. Neglect can also leave physical evidence, such as bedsores, serious weight loss, and dehydration. A lack of hygiene, unwashed hair, or dirty clothing can also reveal that a resident is being neglected by staff, while unexplained injuries and signs that a resident has been restrained could be evidence of more physical and violent abuse.

Emotional Changes

Not all forms of abuse or neglect leave physical evidence. Emotional abuse, for instance, which includes berating or ridiculing residents, barring visits from family members, and forced isolation can lead to changes in personality and violent mood swings. Physical abuse, however, can also result in this kind of emotional turbulence. Some residents may express fear of certain staff members, seem generally ill at ease, or experience increasingly severe anxiety or depression. Withdrawal from friends and family is also not uncommon amongst victims of nursing home abuse and neglect.

Resident Surroundings

Just because there are no physical or emotional signs of nursing home abuse, does not mean that it is not occurring. A resident’s surroundings can provide key information about the type of treatment at a specific facility. Unclean bedding, torn clothing, or disarray in a resident’s room, for instance, could be evidence that a resident is not receiving adequate care. A lack of grab bars, wheelchairs, walkers, and other assistive devices could also indicate a lack of care on the part of a nursing home, as could untidy cafeterias and other common areas. Finally, the loved ones of residents should be sure to keep an eye out for any signs of missing possessions, including jewelry and other valuables, which could reveal theft or other financial improprieties on the part of staff.

Free Consultations Available

If you believe that your loved one has been exposed to abuse or neglect while a resident in an Oklahoma nursing home, our dedicated team of Tulsa nursing home abuse lawyers can help you figure out your next steps. Please call Levinson Law, P.C. at 918-492-4433 today or send us an online message with your contact information to learn more about your legal options.

Resource:

health.usnews.com/health-news/best-nursing-homes/articles/2013/02/26/9-warning-signs-of-bad-care