July 01, 2021 Nursing Home Abuse
Making the choice to place your loved one in a nursing home facility was likely not an easy decision to make. As you know, not all nursing facilities are created equal, which makes choosing one particularly difficult.
Unfortunately, about one in six elders experience abuse in nursing homes each year. A nursing home abuse lawyer in Illinois can advise families to watch for clear warning signs. In order to detect when abuse occurs, it’s critical to know the warning signs to look out for. Here are 10 signs that your loved one is experiencing abuse in their nursing home:
#1 – Withdrawal
It’s common for elders who endure abuse to withdraw from activities he or she enjoys.
#2 – Hygiene Concerns
The elder may start to look messy with unwashed hair or dirty clothing.
#3 – Sleeping Problems
The nursing home resident may not be able to sleep well as a result of fear and stress.
#4 – Peculiar Weight Loss
When an elder starts losing weight without an obvious reason, it’s possible that it is a result of abuse or neglect.
#5 – Behavioral Changes
If you begin to notice your loved one acting out, it could be due to physical, emotional, or sexual abuse. Neglect is also possible.
#6 – Signs of Trauma
Elders enduring abuse often exhibit signs of trauma. Such signs include:
- Insomnia or nightmares
- Fatigue
- Getting startled easily
- Concentration challenges
- Rocking back and forth
- Racing heartbeat
- Edginess and agitation
- Aches and pains
- Muscle tension
#7 – Unexplained Wounds
Any of the following unexplained wounds may be an indication of abuse:
- Bruises
- Burns
- Cuts
- Scars
#8 – Broken Property
Broken eyeglasses or frames may indicate that an elder has endured abuse. Physical signs of punishment or restraint are also warning signs to pay attention to.
#9 – Bedsores
Bedsores aren’t always symptoms of abuse, but they are common among abused elders.
#10 – Problematic Living Conditions
If an elder’s living conditions appear hazardous, unsafe, or unclean, it is possible that he or she is experiencing abuse.
#11 – Malnutrition or Dehydration
Malnutrition and dehydration are serious problems at many nursing homes nationwide.
These conditions have been shown to exacerbate existing medical conditions or can trigger more severe problems in the elderly including anemia, low blood pressure, tooth decay, broken bones, or even death. These conditions produce visible manifestations of their symptoms in the form of light-headedness, fatigue, easy bruising, weight loss and poor dental health or bad breath.
Stop Elder Abuse in Nursing Homes
If you visit your elderly loved one and believe they are suffering from neglect or abuse at the nursing home, please reach out to us. The attorneys at The Rooth Law Firm can help you to identify your loved one’s situation and can provide you with assistance with determining what steps to take in order to correct the situation. Delaying action may place your loved one at further risk, so contact our office right away to discuss your concerns.
