Different types of nursing home abuse

Deciding to put a loved one in a nursing home can be difficult for many families. The residents deserve close supervision, medical care, and protection from any kind of harm. When looking for the right caring facility, families should know that their loved ones are receiving the best care possible.  There are many nursing homes that are equipped with the right staff and facilities to make sure their residents are receiving excellent care and attention. However, this is not always the case. When a negligent facility threatens the health and well-being of their residents, they have to pay the price for it. 

Here we will discuss some of the most common forms of abuse in the nursing care facilities. If you suspect or witness your loved one has been a victim of nursing home abuse, get in touch with a nursing home law firm to seek legal help. 

Malnutrition/Undernourishment – Malnutrition takes place when a resident is not fed enough or properly. For residents who have critical medical conditions like heart disease and diabetes, a proper diet is necessary for their cure. Undernourishment can worsen their current medical situation and can lead to more complexities. It can also end up in reduced cognitive abilities and mobility.

Postural asphyxia - Postural asphyxia is a condition when a person is not getting enough oxygen either due to restraints or the position of the body. This condition can lead to brain damage and even death. 

Bedsores – Bedsores are injuries to the skin and underlying tissues developed due to pressure on certain parts of the body. Mainly for nursing home residents, they occur on their heels, legs, hips, and tailbone. Bedsores occur if a person is not being taken care of properly in the nursing home. 

Sexual attack – Elderly people residing in nursing homes can be the victim of sexual attack because they may have limited mobility, minimized mental functioning, muscle weakness, or less communication abilities. These issues can give a capable person a chance to take advantage of residents who are unable to fight back or communicate with the staff what has happened with them.

It is difficult to detect the abuse and neglect running within the nursing homes but it is not impossible if you know what the signs are. It is obvious you will seek legal help for your loved one in this case but before the thought “how to find a nursing home neglect attorney near me” comes to your mind; you should look for the signs of abuse. This will help you when you are discussing the case with the legal expert. Some of the signs include weight loss, dry skin, paper think skin, broken bones, scratches, and bruises on the skin, agitation, confusion or social withdrawal. 

If you recognize any kind of abuse, get in touch with a legal expert with vast knowledge and experience in dealing with elder neglect and abuse cases. Get in touch with them to schedule an initial consultation and learn how they can help you and your loved one.