Did you know that approximately 1 in 10 nursing home residents in the United States experiences abuse, according to the National Center on Elder Abuse or NCEA?
An elderly dehydration lawyer says that an elderly loved one in any form of senior care or assisted living who has suffered medical complications from malnutrition or dehydration is a serious legal matter that demands immediate legal attention.
The purpose of nursing homes is to provide care, not to cause harm. Unfortunately, abuse can happen. Be vigilant for physical, emotional, and financial indicators of mistreatment.
This article will show the different signs and symptoms that can happen in nursing home abuse situations.
Physical Signs of Abuse
If you suspect nursing home abuse, pay close attention to physical signs that may indicate mistreatment. Look for unexplained bruises, cuts, or burns on your loved one’s body. These injuries could be a result of physical abuse or neglect.
A Sumter County personal injury lawyer says that you must watch out for any sudden changes in weight since a significant weight loss or gain without a clear medical reason could be a sign of neglect.
Watch out for any indications of dehydration or malnourishment, including dry skin, cracked lips, or sunken eyes. Be alert to any unexplained injuries, especially if they occur repeatedly.
Emotional Indicators
Signs of nursing home abuse can manifest emotionally, such as changes in behavior or unexplained fear or anxiety. If a loved one in a nursing home suddenly becomes withdrawn, agitated, or shows signs of depression without a clear reason, it could be a red flag for emotional abuse.
Sudden mood swings, becoming unusually quiet, displaying signs of fear, or refusing to speak in front of certain staff members could indicate emotional manipulation or abuse. Unexpected changes in their emotional well-being must be monitored and addressed to guarantee their safety in the nursing home.
Financial Red Flags
Look out for signs of financial abuse in nursing homes, such as unexplained changes in your loved one’s financial situation. Monitor for any sudden or unexpected withdrawals from their accounts, unauthorized use of their credit cards, or sudden changes to their will. If you notice bills going unpaid despite having the funds to pay them, or if your loved one suddenly finds themselves unable to afford basic necessities despite previously being financially stable, these could be warning signs that financial abuse is taking place in the nursing home.
Be mindful of any new acquaintances who seem overly interested in your loved one’s finances or assets, as they could be attempting to exploit or manipulate them. Watch out for missing personal belongings or valuable items from your loved one’s room.
Financial abuse can often go unnoticed, so stay alert and address any concerns promptly. If you suspect financial abuse, document any suspicious activity and report it to the nursing home administration or the appropriate authorities for further investigation.
Neglect Warning Signs
One common indicator of neglect is poor personal hygiene, such as unwashed clothes, dirty bedding, or an unattended physical appearance. If you notice sudden weight loss, dehydration symptoms like dry mouth or cracked lips, or signs of malnutrition, these could indicate neglectful care.
Another sign to watch out for is the presence of bedsores or pressure ulcers. Residents who remain in the same position for extended periods without proper care may develop bedsores. Other indicative signs of neglect include unexplained injuries, such as bruises, cuts, or fractures.
Paying attention to these neglect warning signs can help you take timely action to protect your loved ones from abuse.
Behavioral Changes
If your loved one exhibits unusual behaviors like rocking back and forth, showing signs of trauma, or becoming emotionally distant, you need to investigate further as these could be signs of nursing home abuse. Other red flags include sudden changes in their routine, sleep patterns, or appetite.
Sometimes, residents may display signs of fear or anxiety when certain staff members are present, hinting at possible mistreatment. Sudden difficulty when giving medications or a reluctance to engage in activities they once enjoyed can be another sign of underlying abuse issues.
Conclusion
Recognizing the signs and symptoms of nursing home abuse enables you to protect your loved ones from physical, emotional, and financial abuse. If you suspect abuse at a nursing home, do not hesitate to report it. Prompt reporting helps to address the issue before it causes serious harm to your loved ones.
