Signs of Elderly Abuse in Nursing
Homes
Some people are afraid of disclosing the experiences of
elderly abuse in nursing homes for fear it will become worse or
because they do not wish to cause worry. Nursing home residents
are also often the victims of horrible elderly abuse because they
may have physical or mental restrictions that leave them unable
to communicate what is going on. For these reasons it is important
to notice if there are any visible signs of elderly abuse that your
loved one may not be verbally communicating. Following, is a list
of common elderly abuse signs. If you see any of the following signs
of elderly abuse they should be immediately investigated.
If you see any of the following signs of elderly abuse in nursing
homes, they should be immediately investigated:
- Unexplained bruises, cuts, burns, sprains, or fractures in various
stages of healing.
- Bedsores or frozen joints.
- Unexplained venereal disease or genital infections; vaginal
or anal bleeding; torn, stained, or bloody underclothing.
- Sudden changes in behavior.
- Staff refusing to allow visitors to see resident or delays in
allowing visitors to see resident.
- Staff not allowing resident to be alone with visitor.
- Resident being kept in an over-medicated state.
- Loss of resident's possessions.
- Sudden large withdrawals from bank accounts or changes in banking
practices.
- Abrupt changes in will or other financial documents.
In addition to these 10 warning signs, elderly abuse in nursing
homes can occur on all different levels.
Mental Elderly Abuse
- Fear, agitation, hesitance
- Depression, withdrawal
- Sudden behavior changes
- Unusual behavior patterns
- Unwillingness to communicate
- Disorientation, confusion
- Unjustified isolation
- Rude, humiliating, derogatory comments by staff
- Specific complaints by residents
Physical Elderly Abuse
- Wounds, cuts, abrasions, burns
- Bruises, welts, swelling
- Broken bones, sudden inexplicable weight loss
- Unexplained/hidden injuries
- Unwarranted restraints (either physical or chemical)
- Specific complaints by residents
Elderly Abuse & Neglect
- Bed sores (decubitus ulcers)
- Unsanitary environment
- Malnutrition, dehydration
- Smells of urine and/or feces
- Unkempt appearance
- Poor personal hygiene
- Untreated medical condition
- Specific complaints by residents
- exploitation/Financial Abuse
- Sudden, unjustified selling of property
- Missing/stolen money or property
- Radical changes in handling personal/financial affairs
- Specific complaints by residents
Please choose a state below to contact a Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer in your area:
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