Life has a way of eventually coming full circle. Just as children need someone to take care of them, the elderly are sometimes unable to care for themselves after a certain age or illness. In some cases, when older people require around-the-clock care, they must live in a nursing home to receive the assistance they need. Unfortunately, it is not uncommon for neglect or abuse to occur in nursing homes. According to the National Center on Elder Abuse, one out of 10 Americans over the age of 60 has experienced some form of abuse. You always want what is best for your loved ones and the thought that someone could be neglecting or even abusing your family member is awful. However, you can only take action against an abuser or facility if you know that abuse is occurring. The following are serious warning signs that your loved one is being neglected or abused in a nursing home.
What Is Elder Abuse?
Many people think that elder abuse (the kind of abuse that occurs in nursing homes) is just a physical type of abuse. In reality, elder abuse and neglect can manifest and appear in a variety of ways. The National Council on Aging states that elder abuse can include the following:
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Physical abuse
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Sexual abuse
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Emotional abuse
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Passive neglect
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Willful deprivation
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Confinement
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Financial exploitation
Signs to Watch Out For
Because elder abuse is a very underreported crime, it is important that you are able to recognize the signs of this type of abuse in a nursing home. Here are a couple of red flags that should cause concern:
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Poor personal hygiene: One of the most obvious signs of nursing home neglect is poor personal hygiene of your loved one. Many elderly people need assistance doing little, everyday tasks such as bathing, brushing their teeth, and even getting dressed.
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Malnutrition or dehydration: If you notice that your family member has lost weight or shows signs of dehydration, he or she may not be getting proper nutrition or fluids. This can be due to inadequate staffing or a more insidious intention by an employee of the facility.
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Unexplained injuries: If you notice that your loved one has bruises, broken bones, head injuries, or other marks on his or her body, you should be concerned. It is possible that a staff member is physically abusing your family member, but it can also be a sign that he or she may have fallen while trying to move without assistance.
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Physical or emotional changes: You know best how your loved one looks and acts. If you notice any obvious changes in him or her, you should be concerned. If he or she has become anxious, withdrawn or uncommunicative, you should investigate further.
Contact a Will County Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer
Unfortunately, elder abuse can and does happen. If you think that your loved one may be suffering from neglect or abuse while he or she is residing in a nursing home, you should immediately contact a skilled Plainfield, IL nursing home negligence attorney. At Flaherty Law, LLC, we will do everything in our power to make sure those who committed the abuse or allowed the abuse to happen are held responsible. Contact our office today at 815-860-5702 to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation.
Sources:
https://ncea.acl.gov/NCEA/media/Publication/NCEA_TheFactsofEA_2019_5.pdf
https://www.nextavenue.org/6-signs-of-nursing-home-neglect/
https://health.usnews.com/health-news/best-nursing-homes/articles/2013/02/26/9-warning-signs-of-bad-care