Nursing home abuse and neglect are more prevalent than many people realize. Studies indicate that there may be as many as 5 million elders abused each year. What makes that number even more unsettling is that it is likely too low. Many experts think that a large portion of abuse cases go unreported.
If you have a loved one living in a nursing home and are worried about abuse, that is understandable. Considering how often abuse occurs, it only makes sense to be on the lookout for signs of abuse. But what exactly are those signs? Our Utah personal injury law firm is here to help answer your question.
4 Indicators of Nursing Home Abuse
1. Physical injuries
If your loved one has been physically abused, there will often be signs of that abuse if the area is visible. Signs of physical abuse can include:
- Bruises
- Cuts
- Skin tears
- Burns
- Bedsores
- Broken or fractured bones
- Welts
2. Signs of emotional abuse
Unfortunately, elders can sustain abuse that is not so obvious as a bruise or a broken bone. The physical abuse could be in areas where you can’t see because they are covered by clothing. That is why it can be helpful to pay attention to signs of emotional abuse. These can include:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Sudden mood swings
- Aggressive behavior
- Loss of self-confidence
- Substance abuse
- Thoughts or actions related to suicide
3. Signs of neglect
A nursing home staff member does not have to hit your loved one to abuse them. They could instead withhold some of the care that they need to be healthy. Some signs of neglect include:
- Malnutrition
- Bedsores
- Dirty clothes
- Soiled bedsheets
- New infections
- Infections that are getting worse
4. Signs of financial abuse
Elders are vulnerable financially as well as physically. A nursing home staff member may have taken advantage of your loved one financially. Signs of financial abuse include:
- Unusual transactions
- New credit card accounts
- New bank accounts
- Establishment or change to power of attorney
Has Your Loved One Been Abused in a Nursing Home?
At Carlson Injury, we help families of nursing home abuse victims to take legal action against abusive facilities and staff. Every situation is different, which means that every case is different. That is why we encourage you to contact us if you believe that your loved one is being abused. We offer a free consultation so you can tell us your story without needing to pay anything. After we talk with you, we can help you identify what steps you should take next.
If your loved one has been abused at a nursing home, please give us a call at (801) 845-4577 or use our secure online contact form to contact us. Our team is here to answer your questions and help you understand your legal options. And remember, we never charge a fee unless we win.