Caring for loved ones in their golden years often involves difficult decisions. One of these tough choices may involve placing them in a nursing home. Ensuring that they receive proper care is paramount. That said, unfortunately, nursing home abuse remains a serious issue. In this blog post, we'll explore the common signs of nursing home abuse in order to help you identify and address the potential problems involved.

1. Unexplained Injuries

One of the most obvious signs of nursing home abuse is unexplained injuries for your loved one. This could include bruises, cuts, burns, or other physical marks that cannot be adequately explained by the staff. These injuries may indicate physical abuse or neglect, and immediate intervention is necessary to protect your loved one's well-being. Our team of injury attorneys are here for you if this is something that you and your family members notice.

2. Sudden Emotional Changes

In our experience, another clear indicator of potential abuse is a sudden shift in the resident's emotional state. If a normally cheerful and talkative resident becomes withdrawn, depressed, or unusually anxious, it could be a sign of emotional or psychological abuse. It's crucial to take note of these changes and investigate further to ensure their safety and mental health. It can be challenging to see these changes, but our team of professionals are here for you every step of the way.

3. Poor Hygiene and Unsanitary Conditions

Poor personal hygiene and unsanitary living conditions can also be red flags for nursing home abuse or neglect. This might include soiled clothing, dirty living spaces, or unbathed residents. Such conditions not only reflect neglect but also pose significant health risks to residents, necessitating immediate action. Our injury attorneys are here for you if you notice this unfortunate circumstance. You don't have to face this alone without legal support.

4. Sudden Legal or Financial Issues

We've seen that elderly residents are often targets for financial abuse, especially if they have cognitive impairments. Sudden, unexplained changes in their financial status, missing personal belongings, or unusual withdrawals from their accounts are potential signs of financial exploitation. It's critical to monitor financial statements and legal documents closely to prevent such abuse. According to Forbes, roughly 95% of civil cases reach settlement agreements. This highlights the importance of taking legal action when financial abuse is suspected to ensure that the victim is compensated and protected. Speak with our injury attorneys if you notice this situation with your elderly loved one.

5. Lack of Proper Medical Care

A significant concern in recognizing nursing home abuse is a lack of proper medical care. This can include missed medications, untreated infections, or unreported illnesses. Neglecting necessary medical treatment can lead to severe health issues or even life-threatening situations for the residents. A lack of proper medical care can also look like consistently long response times to calls for help or neglectful attitudes from caregivers.

Other signs could include evidence of physical restraints or excessive use of sedatives without medical justification. It's crucial for family members and loved ones to stay informed about the resident's medical needs and their ongoing care to ensure they receive the attention they deserve. When you are visiting your loved one in this type of setting, it is important to stay vigilant regarding their care. In many instances, your loved one may not be able to articulate the negligence that they are experiencing. It is often up to loving family members to be there, speak up, and advocate for those who are most vulnerable.

The well-being of our elderly loved ones should always be a top priority. Recognizing and addressing nursing home abuse requires vigilance and immediate action when any of these signs are observed. Regular visits, open communication with the staff, and close monitoring of your loved one's physical, emotional, and financial well-being can help protect them from potential abuse. By being aware and proactive, we can ensure that our elderly family members receive the dignity and care they deserve in their later years. If you have any questions, please contact us today at The Law Offices of Michael F. Mahoney. We look forward to hearing from you and offering support through our fantastic group of injury attorneys!