Identify Potential Elder Abuse with These 3 Signs

Elder abuse is a serious problem in the United States. There’s a law designed to protect those who are cared for in nursing homes from exploitation, neglect, and abuse. For that elder law to be effective, however, one must know how to identify potential elder abuse. 

If you even suspect that there has been abuse, neglect, or other foul play, you shouldn't hesitate to call a qualified nursing home abuse lawyer. Whether or not you need litigation, a lawyer will be able to advise you on the specifics of your case. Online information can only provide general information, not specific advice, and certainly not legal counsel.

Sign #1: Unexplained Bruising

While this may seem like a clear indication of a problem, it's surprisingly common for care services to explain injuries away and never be questioned about them in-depth. They may claim that your loved one simply fell, hitting him or herself on the way down. While this is possible, you should look into every incident very carefully.

If nothing else, frequent bruising, even if accidental, shows that you've chosen a poor care facility. Your family deserves the best, so you might want to consider moving them nonetheless.

Sign #2: Inexplicable Financial Drains

If your more senior relatives are no longer focused on their own finances, someone else from within the family or possibly an outside auditor should be retained to check in on their finances periodically. It’s sadly common for people to violate the elder law and steal from the bank account of someone living in an assisted care facility, simply because they know it's unlikely, they'll be caught.

Sign #3: A Change in Personality

It can be tempting to write off a changing personality as a symptom of old age, but it often means much more. If you haven't seen your loved one interacting with the aides, now would be a good time to start observing it. If you notice any hints of fear or unhappiness in that relationship, they are probably a victim of abuse in nursing homes.

If you feel at any time that something is out of place, don't hesitate to call an elder law specialist. Contacting an attorney sooner rather than later is always the better plan, even if it turns out that your suspicions are unfounded.