Moving an elderly loved one to a nursing home is often a difficult but necessary option for many families. In order to provide their loved one with the medical care and attention they need, a family may decide that a nursing home is the best environment. Not all nursing homes operate the same way however, and there have been reported instances of abuse, which can be caused by a number of factors. Understaffing, lack of training, and inexperience are some of the main contributing factors that lead to nursing home abuse. Families should become familiar with the common signs of abuse. A nursing home abuse lawyer Kansas City, MO looks to like one from Royce Injury Attorneys LLC can explain to you that there are several signs you can look for that may signal that elder abuse is occurring.
What are physical signs of abuse?
Physical signs of abuse are common in cases of nursing home abuse. They are not always easy to spot however, and they can occur in places that are not typically visible. Physical signs of abuse are often present if a caregiver or staff member is handling a patient too aggressively, or if they don’t give enough attention to a patient. The elderly patient may accidentally hurt themselves by doing tasks such as going to the bathroom on their own. Here are some common physical signs of abuse that a nursing home resident may experience:
- Scars
- Cuts or lacerations
- Bruises
- Pressure sores
- Significant weight loss
- Illnesses or decline in overall health
What are non-physical signs of abuse?
The non-physical signs of abuse are usually more difficult to notice or spot. They are less obvious and involve more subtle actions or behavior. Even for family members, it can be hard to tell when abuse is occurring if there are no physical signs. Non-physical signs of abuse tend to be more situational, and usually arise during certain interactions or are triggered by the presence or actions of individuals. These signs include the following:
- Fear or anxiety around certain staff members
- Unusual financial activity
- Sudden or uncharacteristic changes to a will or estate plan
Legal Assistance is Available
The last thing a family wants to find out is that their elderly loved one suffered abuse at the hands of a trusted staff member in a nursing home. Contact a dependable and skilled nursing home abuse lawyer so that you can seek justice for your elderly loved one and take legal action against the responsible party.