Signs of Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect

One of the most difficult decisions a family has to make is to place their loved one in a nursing home. Taking care of an aging family member can be difficult and almost impossible to dedicate the time needed to because of full-time jobs and family responsibilities. Issues are compounded when the senior is suffering from medical issues that require the care of a medical professional.

Once the decision has been made, the family must then find a facility for their loved one. Families place their utmost trust in nursing homes to provide their elderly loved ones with the care they need, along with the dignity and respect they deserve. Tragically, this does not always happen.

According to national statistics, at least 10 percent of people 60 years of age or older have experienced some type of elder abuse. When an elderly person is suffering from a medical condition that impairs their mental faculties, such as Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, that percentage of abuse increases.

Abuse of the elderly can take on many forms, including neglect, physical, emotional, sexual, financial, and isolation.

According to the World Health Organization, two out of every three nursing home staff members have participated in some form of abuse. If you have a loved one in a nursing home, it is critical to know what the signs of possible abuse or neglect may be. Signs to watch for include:

  • Anxiety
  • Bedsores
  • Bruises
  • Changes in behavior or personality
  • Depression
  • Infections or other conditions
  • Poor hygiene
  • Sudden changes to their will or other financial documents

It is not uncommon for an abuse victim to be afraid to let someone know they are being abused. This is often because the person abusing them has made threats that there would be repercussions if the elderly victim speaks up.

If you suspect your loved one is being abused or neglected, there are steps you can take. Notify the nursing home administrator of your suspicions and then contact the Virginia Adult Protective Services. If you think your loved one is in immediate danger, call 911.

Let a Skilled Virginia Nursing Home Abuse Attorney Help

If your elderly loved one has been the victim of nursing home abuse or neglect, contact a Virginia nursing home abuse attorney to find out what legal recourse your family may have. At Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp, we have been aggressively advocating for victims for more than three decades and have helped many nursing home abuse victims receive compensation for their injuries, as well as hold the perpetrators who committed the abuse responsible.

Contact our office today to set up a free and confidential consultation with one of our dedicated nursing home abuse attorneys today.

 

 

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