Is It Time to Call A Nursing Home Abuse Attorney?

It's ugly. It's shameful. It's almost unfathomable. It's nursing home abuse. The fact is that there is nursing home abuse out there. But how can you tell if a loved one is the victim of abuse and help is needed?

Contact a nursing home abuse law firm immediately if you notice the following signs of neglect or abuse:

Unexplained Injuries

Accidents do happen. Your parent or spouse who's in a nursing home may have an occasional bump or bruise that simply was not preventable. However, it is also possible they are suffering from abuse or neglect. This is especially worth suspicion if there are multiple injuries, if it happens on more than one occasion, or if it is accompanied by unusual behavior.

Depression and Other Antisocial Behavior

Depression and other antisocial behavior is not a good sign, either. Your loved one should be well cared for and be content in their living conditions. If they are constantly upset, depressed, or antisocial, it could be because they are being mistreated or left unattended. They may feel helpless or embarrassed about their situation. Especially if they showed none of these signs prior to being admitted, you definitely need to look much further into the type of care your loved one is receiving.

Rapid Weight Loss

Well-fed patients will not lose weight rapidly unless they have some form of the disease in which this is to be expected. Weight loss suggests that they are not being given enough to eat or that they just don't seem to have an appetite anymore because they are so depressed (see above). Understaffing can lead to your loved one developing a condition known as cachexia (in which the body begins to eat itself). This serious condition can be fatal, so if you notice rapid weight loss, it's time to have a physician check them out and see if they are, in fact, being abused.

Unsanitary Conditions

The final sign is a clear-cut one. You should never see vermin inside a nursing home (cockroaches, rats, droppings, etc.) Patients should never be complaining about being left to lay in soiled clothing. Any sign of unsanitary conditions should send up an immediate red flag that there's something very wrong with this picture.

If you suspect nursing home abuse, don't wait. If it's true, it will only get worse. If it isn't, you'll at least have peace of mind. Call one of the senior abuse lawyers near you who will ensure your family member is being treated with dignity and care.