The Signs of Nursing Home Abuse
Placing your loved one in the care of a nursing home is an extremely serious and difficult decision to make. When choosing a facility, it is important to make every effort to check its background credentials and make sure that it is safe, sanitary, and provides the type of environment your loved one needs.
Unfortunately, despite your best efforts to find a quality nursing home, your loved one still may suffer from the negligence or malicious behavior of a nurse, an aide, or another worker at the facility. Therefore, it is important to understand the types of abuse that can occur and the often-overlooked signs of this abuse.
Types of Nursing Home Abuse
Nursing home abuse is defined as any intentional, knowing, or negligent performed by a caregiver or other responsible person that causes harm or the potential of harm to a vulnerable adult in an assisted living facility. The abuse may take many forms and may not be immediately apparent. The types of nursing home abuse include:
Physical abuse: Causing physical injury or pain, or threatening to inflict injury.
Sexual abuse: Any non-consensual sexual act.
Emotional abuse: Causing distress or anguish through verbal acts or nonverbal actions.
Malnutrition: Failing to provide enough food or adequate nutrition.
Medication mistakes: Providing the wrong medication or failing to provide medication at all for a particular condition.
Neglect: Failure to care for an elderly resident through providing adequate food, shelter, protection, or personal care.
Theft/Exploitation: Hiding, misusing, or illegally taking money, property, or assets of a resident.
Sadly, these type of abuse cases often go unreported because not everyone is aware of the types of abuse or their signs. In addition, victims may not report abuse because they fear repercussions or they may be embarrassed about their situation.
Signs of Nursing Home Abuse
It is important to keep an eye out for the signs of Nursing Home Abuse (click to investigate):
An unsafe, dirty, or overcrowded facility.
Sudden fear, withdrawal, or depression exhibited by your loved one.
Injuries, including bedsores, bruises, scratches, or sprains, that staff members cannot explain.
Sudden weight loss or decline in overall health.
Staff members who are hesitant or reluctant to allow you to visit or spend alone time with your loved one.
To learn more about abuse and other forms of personal injury, visit the website of the Iowa personal injury lawyers of LaMarca & Landry, P.C., for additional information and resources.
