I’ve talked with numerous clients lately about nursing home abuse and neglect. While every situation is different, some commonalities often appear in nursing home cases that I’ve investigated.
Below is a list of warning signs of nursing home abuse and neglect:
- You notice bedsores on your loved one when you visit. Sustained pressure on the skin will cause a bedsore. Bedsores often appear on the tailbone, shoulder blades, hips, heels and elbows. Bedsores are often the result of the patient being in bed too long and not moved or turned by staff.
- Your loved one is dehydrated. Dehydration can be difficult to detect. If you notice that your loved one is unusually thirsty, tired, complains of headaches and dry skin, has decreased urine output, or dizziness, dehydration may be the cause.
- Sudden changes in personal hygiene are also a sign of neglect. Dressing, bathing, tooth brushing can sometimes be difficult for elder patients to do on their own. Many patients in nursing home suffer from arthritis or other conditions that affect mobility. Your loved one may need assistance with personal care.
- You loved one is acting differently. Unusual emotional outbursts or being socially withdrawn are indicators of abuse.
- Sudden weight loss can be a result of your loved one not being fed enough food or not eating because of being emotionally compromised. Many older people have difficulty eating independently due to physical limitations that can include limited range of motion with the arms, poor coordination or shaking, and difficulty swallowing. When this is this case, caretakers need to provide assistance with meals and special dietary accommodations need to be provided with every meal.
If you suspect that your loved one is being abused, call Paul Thomson of The Thomson Law Firm today. The Thomson Law Firm provides FREE consultations. Call today
(540) 777-4900
