Know the signs of nursing home abuse and neglect

Nursing home abuse and neglect is a serious concern for many families who have entrusted the care of their loved one to a nursing home. For that reason, family members should e familiar with the different types of nursing home abuse and neglect, what to watch for and the legal protections available to them.

Physical abuse

Physical abuse is one type of nursing home abuse to keep an eye out for. Families should be on the lookout for unusual bruising, unexplained falls and broken bones, unusual weight loss and open areas of the skin. Bed sores and falls can be another sign of nursing home abuse and neglect.

Emotional abuse

Emotional abuse can include isolation, overmedication, threats and harassment of the loved one. If the loved one in care does not seem comfortable around a certain staff member, it could be a sign of emotional or other abuse.

Sexual abuse

Watch for common signs of sexual abuse and if the loved one has a sexually transmitted disease, it can certainly be cause for alarm.

Overall neglect

Signs of neglect can include malnutrition and dehydration and bed sores and falls can also be signs of nursing home neglect. Unusual weight loss can also be a sign of nursing home neglect.

If families believe their loved one is suffering any of these types of nursing home abuse, they should act quickly. There are a variety of important legal resources to help them and their loved ones including making a claim for the damages they have suffered because of nursing home abuse and neglect.