The Reality of Nursing Home Abuse
When we are forced to make the ultimate decision to put our loved one in a nursing home, we do so with the sole intention to make sure they are taken care of. Nursing homes should offer our loved ones a sense of protection and safety, and allow them to enjoy their lives without fear of something happening to them. Unfortunately, some nursing homes are motivated by other factors than the needs of their patients and residents. All too often, nursing homes are inadequately staffed or house staff members that are improperly trained or lack the proper training required to treat elderly and/or disabled patients. The unfortunate results of nursing home inadequacies are residents being abused, mistreated, and/or neglected.
What Are Some Signs of Abuse I Can Look For?
Families have the right to expect that their loved one will be taken care of and not injured or abused by nursing home staff. However, the unfortunate reality is that nursing home residents fall victim to abuse and neglect. Sometimes instances of abuse are not readily noticeable and may go undetected. Some types of nursing home abuse and/or neglect can include:
- Bedsores and ulcers that can be the result of unsanitary living conditions;
- Bruises, wounds, cuts due to falls or abuse;
- Patterns of bruising that may suggest a patient was restrained or improperly handled;
- Poor hygiene and/or weight loss, which can be an indication the resident is not taken care of;
- A sense of uneasiness from the resident when staff is around can indicate that the resident is scared or stressed out, perhaps from an incident that previously occurred.
If you suspect your loved one is being abused, you should advise the appropriate nursing home director and/or administrator immediately.
If you have a loved one living in a nursing home and suspect that they are being neglected, abused, or mistreated, it is important to contact an attorney. An experienced nursing home abuse attorney can assess your matter and discuss your legal options. Call the Law Office of Richard Kenny to get your free consultation today.
