Signs Of Nursing Home Abuse
The decision to entrust the care of a loved one to a nursing home is often difficult and emotional. Although these facilities have a responsibility to provide for their residents’ basic needs and treat them with dignity and respect, nursing home abuse is more common than many people realize.
If you suspect that someone you know is being mistreated by a nursing home employee, it is important to remain vigilant and speak with a New Haven personal injury lawyer. Recognizing the symptoms of abuse in all of its forms—physical, emotional, financial, sexual, or neglect—is the first step in protecting the safety and rights of your loved one.
Signs of Physical Abuse
Unfortunately, physical abuse in nursing homes is a distressing reality. Residents may be unwilling or unable to communicate the abuse, leading to long-term physical and psychological harm. In these situations, it is essential to note any unexplained changes in your loved one’s physical condition, such as:
- Bruises, cuts, or burns
- Broken bones or fractures
- Signs of restraint on wrists or ankles
- Frequent, unexplained injuries
- Reluctance to speak about injuries
Signs of Emotional Abuse
Emotional abuse can be just as damaging as physical harm but harder to identify. If you suspect that this form of abuse is occurring, pay attention to the mental health and behavior of your loved one. The following symptoms may indicate ongoing emotional or psychological abuse, often inflicted through threats, humiliation, or isolation:
- Unusual depression or anxiety
- Withdrawal from social activities
- Fear or hesitation around staff members
- Changes in mood or behavior
- Unexplained loss of weight or appetite
Signs of Financial Abuse
Financial exploitation is another form of elder abuse where the resident’s funds, properties, or assets are misused or misappropriated. This form of abuse occurs more often than many people realize and can significantly impact the resident’s quality of life and future care.
Indicators of financial abuse include:
- Sudden changes in bank accounts or banking practice
- Unauthorized withdrawals of funds
- Discrepancies in accounting or bookkeeping
- Unexplained or sudden inability to pay bills
- Recent changes in wills or power of attorney
Signs of Sexual Abuse
Sexual abuse in nursing homes is a particularly sensitive topic and one that often goes unreported. Abusers often target vulnerable adults, especially those who suffer from neurological conditions or are bedbound due to illness or limited mobility.
It’s important to be attentive to possible signs of sexual abuse, such as:
- Bruises around private areas
- Unexplained sexually transmitted diseases
- Torn or bloodied underclothing
- Behavioral changes or agitation
- Withdrawal or symptoms of trauma
- Fearful behavior when near a certain caregiver
Signs of Neglect
When a caregiver fails to attend to their residents’ basic needs, they commit neglect. Neglect can severely deteriorate one’s health and is a clear violation of the standard of care expected from nursing home facilities.
Signs that indicate neglect may include:
- Unsanitary living conditions
- Bedsores or unattended medical needs
- Malnutrition or dehydration
- Lack of personal hygiene
- Hazardous living conditions
Contact a New Haven Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer Today
If you observe any of the signs of nursing home abuse, it is important to take immediate action. Call 911 if your loved one is in immediate danger and report the abuse to the Connecticut Department of Public Health. Then, contact a New Haven nursing home abuse lawyer to discuss your legal options. An attorney can help you hold the facility and its employees accountable, fighting for the justice that your loved one deserves.