How to Detect Nursing Home Abuse
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How to Detect Nursing Home Abuse
There are many reasons why elderly residents in facilities may suffer from nursing home abuse and neglect. In some cases, the worst forms of abuse and neglect can arise from facilities that seem to be clean, professional, and well run. Unfortunately, many of the elderly residents in these situations are often unable or, in some cases, unwilling to speak out against the abuse they endure. This is why it is vital for you to know the signs and how to detect nursing home abuse.
Red Flags to Look Out For
As many as 10% of elders have experienced abusive behavior while staying in a nursing home, and 15% of surveys failed to detect the harm many victims have been facing. This is why it is essential to keep an eye out for the red flags that could indicate your loved one may be experiencing abuse while staying at a nursing home. Below we have laid out a list of some of the more commonly known red flags for friends and family to keep an eye out for when visiting their loved ones. The more obvious physical signs of abuse on those who are staying in nursing homes are, but are not limited to the following:
- Infections
- Loss of hair
- Burns and abrasions
- Unusual bruising or bleeding
- Open wounds, bedsores, or cuts
- Hospitalization for the same or similar injuries
- Delayed medical care for an injury
- Unexplained and sudden change in weight
- Torn, stained, or bloody clothing or bedding
- Soiling, poor hygiene, the smell of urine or feces
Some of the less obvious signs of abuse victims may exhibit can be, but are not limited to:
- Physical or emotional withdrawal
- Listlessness or unresponsiveness
- The disappearance of personal items
- Infantile or other strange behaviors
- Sudden and unusual financial transactions
It is also important to note that red flags may also come in other forms, such as financial abuse or odd behavior from the staff. These actions may appear more evident when you arrive at a facility to visit a resident during regular visiting hours, and the staff of the home refuses or delays your access. If the staff members refuse to leave the room to give you and the resident privacy, it could indicate they are hiding something.
Reach Out to an Attorney for Help
When you notice the signs of abuse, it can mean the difference between life or death when we stand up for those in our lives who may not be able to defend themselves in a time of crisis. If you suspect or know of someone in a nursing home who has been a victim of abuse, our law firm is here to help you. For more than 35 years, our team of expert attorneys has been helping victims of nursing home abuse fight to get the justice they deserve. To learn more about how Morgan & Morgan can help your case, please fill out our free, no-obligation case evaluation form today, and a staff member will be in touch.
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How Can I Help Those Who Are Abused?
Oftentimes the elderly who are being abused may not be willing or able to speak up for themselves in a time of crisis. Below we have listed off a few of the ways you can help those in distress once you’ve begun to recognize the signs of abuse or neglect from your loved ones.
- Report the Abuse: In some cases, the abuse may come from a select few individuals who have managed to hide their crimes. Reporting the abuse to the nursing home will not only have a direct effect on the abusers but can also bring to light any other offenses that those individuals may have committed against the victim.
- Take Record of the Signs of Abuse: If able, take photos of any physical harm done, and start to create a list of dates and events that have occurred, and keep a detailed account of everything you or your loved one has experienced to keep as evidence for your case.
- Dial 911: While this may seem like the obvious, in the event that you witness or become aware that you or a loved one are victims of abuse in a nursing home, calling 911 can start a traceable record of abuse as well as start an investigation as to what crimes have been committed against the victim. This can also lead to the removal of those who have been abused or have caused the abuse to those victims.
- Contact an Attorney: In many cases, victims of abuse fall through the cracks. When you contact and hire an attorney, it can help you, and the victim better understand what legal action you can take against those who have committed the crimes.
There may be some instances where you may feel helpless when it comes to fighting back against those who have abused you or your loved ones in a nursing home. At Morgan & Morgan, our attorneys will treat you like family and fight to get you the justice you deserve for your injuries.