4 Signs of Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect
If you have found out that your loved one has been harmed because of deliberate abuse or neglect from a negligent individual or facility, you may want to contact a trusted lawyer who can assist you with bringing a claim against the responsible party. A nursing home should be an environment that is safe and secure, and they should be pursued to the fullest extent of the law if their residents have been abused or neglected. Your loved one should not have to suffer with the consequences after they have suffered harm in a nursing home. A skilled nursing home lawyer, like one from Brown Kiely, LLP can further explain your options during a consultation.
- Unexplained Injuries. Have you noticed any odd bruises, cuts, sores, or scars that have no reasonable explanation? Talk to your loved one about any injuries they may have suffered. Even if they have gotten injured due to a fall, it may be a sign that they have been neglected for extended periods. Nursing home staff are responsible for frequently checking on residents to see if they require assistance.
- Dirty conditions. Has your loved one complained that their room or the overall facility is dirty or cluttered? A nursing home should always be routinely inspected and cleaned. Lack of regular maintenance and cleaning can lead to the spread of diseases or affect the health of residents. If wires or other equipment are not correctly placed or organized, they can be hazards to residents who may trip over them.
- Malnutrition. Has your loved one experienced sudden weight loss? If so, they may not be receiving adequate nutrients or given enough meals. Malnutrition occurs from a lack of nutrients. A poor diet needs to be immediately addressed as it can result in illness, digestive issues, or a present health condition worsening.
- Fear or anxiety. Does your loved one show a change of expression or become suddenly fearful near certain nursing home staff? Fear or anxiety may be a sign that abuse has occurred. Residents should feel safe around all nursing home staff, especially ones that are directly responsible for their care.
Explore Your Legal Options
Any kind of legal issue can bring a lot of stress and frustration, especially when the wellbeing of your loved one is at stake. Explore the legal options so that your loved one can recover compensation for the abuse or neglect they have experienced.