With so many elderly citizens residing in nursing
homes, reports of Nursing
Home Abuse, Nursing
Home Neglect, and exploitation continue to increase. Abuse
of the elderly is a tragedy that is preventable in most cases.
The links on the left identify problem areas for many nursing home
residents, along with explanations of how you can best help a loved
one who is under nursing home care.
There are a number of signs and symptoms that
indicate abuse or neglect. For instance, if you notice that a loved
one in a nursing home is Acting
Irrationally, take note. Elder abuse can be physical, emotional,
or even sexual. A victim's reaction can range from withdrawal to
violence.
Also take note if your loved one becomes extremely
lethargic, withdrawn, and/or depressed. Such reactions are not
uncommon in abuse situations. Check the nursing home resident's
personal hygiene and condition of his or her room. Pay close attention
to whether your loved one seems malnourished or dehydrated. Look
at his or her skin condition, and take note of whether pressure
sores (or bed
sores) have developed. But, most importantly, listen
to your loved one. Take all complaints of abuse or neglect seriously.
Always keep the following in mind:
Physical Abuse
Frequent injuries such as bruises, cuts, black
eyes or burns are signs of abuse, especially when the service provider
cannot adequately explain how they happened.
Frequent complaints of pain without obvious injury.
Passive, withdrawn, or emotionless behavior.
Lack of reaction to pain.
Reports of physical abuse.
Neglect
Obvious malnutrition (unexplained weight loss)
and dehydration.
Lack of personal cleanliness.
Habitually dressed in torn or dirty clothes.
Constantly hungry.
In need of medical/dental care.
Left unattended for long periods of time.
Reports of neglect.
If a loved is in a nursing home and you feel that
have been abused or neglected, please contact The Rasansky Law
Firm immediately to discuss your legal rights and options regarding
your loved one in a nursing home.
For more information about Nursing Home Claims,
you can also visit www.nursinghomelawyer.com,
a Rasansky Law Firm speciality site devoted exclusively to Nursing
Home Claims, Nursing Home Abuse, Nursing Home Neglect, and Nursing
Home Rights.
Signs that a Loved
One In A Nursing Home could be in trouble include Behavioral
Problems, Changes In Physical
Conditions, Dehydration, and Immobility to
name a few.
