Nursing Home Abuse and Injury: Recognizing the Signs

Signs of Nursing Home Abuse

When you have a loved one that is in a nursing home or care facility, it is very important that you pay attention to their overall well-being while they are in the facility. Nursing home abuse has increased in recent years with the increasing number of Baby Boomers entering into their golden years.

Sadly, many of these facilities are more concerned about their profit margin instead of the care of their patients.

With that in mind, these facilities are hiring unqualified employees or those who have not had a proper background check. This leads to many forms of abuse for the patients within the facility.

What is even more frustrating is that these victims are often afraid, embarrassed, or unable to disclose that they are being injured. These facilities were designed to help those who are in their frailest state, yet many people are needlessly suffering from a nursing home injury.

If you believe that your loved one is a victim of nursing home abuse look for the following signs that an injury has occurred, or abuse is taking place:

Cracked Lips, Sunken Eyes or Cheeks, Discoloured Skin or Eyes

Dehydration is a form of abuse. Refusing to provide hydration is not only cruel, but it can also have an overall impact on the health of the patient. Your body needs water for all of the organs to function properly. If you suspect dehydration, you may also want to verify that your loved one is receiving enough food and nourishment, as well.

Bumps, Bruises, Breaks, Fractures, and Falls

While it is true that accidents can happen, bumps, bruises, broken bones, and unusual falling events may be the result of abuse or even more common neglect. Lawyers for nursing home abuse suggest that you inquire about any and all marks on your loved one.

Infections and Infectious Diseases

Infections and the spread of infectious diseases within a nursing home setting is a form of abuse. Medical professionals are required to take precautions to prevent the spread of diseases and infections.

An infection may also be a sign of a lack of care. Nursing home injury lawyers also recommend looking around the room and the facility to make sure that the cleanliness levels are what you would expect in a medical center.

Your Loved One Grows Quiet When An Employee Enters the Room

One of the signs that nursing home abuse is taking place is when your loved one becomes quiet or acts fearful when an employee enters a room. Many patients are afraid that the employee will hear them complaining or telling what happened to them and fear repercussions for their actions. These frail individuals fear that the abuse will worsen when their loved one leaves or that medical care will be withheld.

Bedsores

Bedsores or pressure sores occur when your loved one is kept in a stationary position for too long or do not move around enough. The pressure on a certain part of their body for extended periods of time causes that area to lose circulation. This loss leads to a sore that can be difficult, if not impossible, to cure.

Bedsores are very common even if there is no malice. However, they are a direct result of the patient not being moved for long periods of time. Be vigilant. Check your loved one regularly and check in with the doctors and nurses for any reported injuries.

Change in Financial Situation

Additional signs of nursing home abuse may also include changes to your loved one’s financial situation. Nursing home injury lawyers recommend that you closely monitor your loved one’s finances while in one of these facilities and watch for changes to financial standings and changes to legal documents like their Last Will and Testament.

Missing Items

It’s best not to leave valuable possessions in your loved one’s room. It’s understandable that you may or your loved one may want to leave sentimental items to make them feel more at ease. But, keep in mind. There are various people in and out of their room on a regular basis.

Things to Remember About Nursing Home Abuse Ontario Victims

Nursing home personal injury lawyers encourage you always to keep a close eye on your loved ones when they are in a care facility. It is important that we protect those members of society that are unable to protect themselves.

If you suspect that your loved one has been a victim of abuse or is currently suffering from abuse, you should contact lawyers for nursing home abuse immediately. Your lawyer can take the steps necessary to get the protection your loved one needs and to seek compensation for their injuries.