When Florida residents bring their loved ones to nursing homes, they hope that their loved ones will be well taken care of and safe. For the most part, this is usually true. Unfortunately, nursing home abuse is very common in many different types of nursing home setups. This is heartbreaking for people who’ve gone out of their way to make sure their relatives received good care.
There are often signs of nursing home abuse. Learning how to spot these signs can help keep your loved ones safe.
What are some of the signs of nursing home abuse?
According to ConsumerNotice.org, there are several signs that you should look out for when it comes to detecting nursing home abuse.
Keep an eye out for signs of physical abuse. These could be signs as obvious as dark bruises or broken bones, or they could show up as unexplained marks on the body. You should also keep an eye out for hidden signs of physical abuse. This could mean your loved one flinching when the caregiver comes near.
It could also be something as simple as the nursing home staff refusing to allow you to be alone with your loved one. Demand that you be left alone so that you can find out exactly what’s going on.
Look out for signs of emotional abuse as well. Some of those signs could mimic the signs of physical abuse. Some signs of emotional abuse mimic those of dementia. This includes self-soothing behaviors like thumb sucking or rocking. Get immediate help so that an investigation can begin.
Another type of abuse to keep an eye out for is neglect. Neglect is when nursing home attendants and staff are simply not taking care of your loved one the way that they should. Signs of neglect include bedsores, soiled sheets, an unwashed body, and a messy room.
Who can people turn to for help if they suspect nursing home abuse?
Nursing home abuse is devastating, so it’s important that it’s tackled as soon as it’s discovered. People who are looking for help with this matter may benefit from working with attorneys who have experience covering this type of neglect and abuse.