Elderly individuals are among those most vulnerable to abuse. There are a few reasons for this, including that they may be isolated from being able to report the abuse, they may fear reporting the abuse due to the potential for retaliation, and they may not be strong enough to fight back.
There is never a time when harming a nursing home patient is acceptable. As the loved one of someone in a nursing home, it is often up to you to make sure you’re checking in on your loved one and looking for signs of abuse or neglect.
What are some common signs of neglect or abuse to look for?
Some common signs of neglect or abuse in a nursing home include:
- Dehydration
- Overmedication
- Significant bruises from unknown causes
- Bedsores
- Repeated falls
- Unexplained injuries
- Changes in behavior
- Signs of verbal abuse
- Signs of financial abuse
There are many kinds of abuse that elders may face. If you are looking for these kinds of injuries and changes in behavior, you are more likely to see the impact in the early stages and help your loved one get out of a dangerous situation.
What should you do if you think your loved one is being abused or neglected?
To start with, you may want to take them to a hospital and get the opinion of the medical providers on staff. If they believe that the injuries aren’t consistent with aging or appropriate care, you may want to consider speaking with an attorney. You can also speak with those involved in your loved one’s care to see if there is an explanation for their poor health or injuries. Our site has more information.
