People often look for physical signs or symptoms of nursing home abuse. A loved one may have unexplained injuries, such as cuts and bruises or a black eye. Family members want to know if they are being neglected and so they were injured in an accident, or if they are being directly abused and so the injuries were done intentionally.
It is important to look for physical symptoms. They certainly can signify nursing home abuse. But it is also important to look for mental and emotional symptoms, such as someone who becomes very withdrawn, nervous and agitated, making them act much differently than they did previously.
Potential cognitive issues
In some cases, elderly people who are suffering from abuse or neglect will not be able to tell anyone what is happening. They may be suffering from different disorders, like dementia or Alzheimer’s. They may have trouble understanding exactly what is happening to them, remembering the events in question or relating those events to family members.
But this is when the abuse can still lead to symptoms like withdrawal and agitation. This is especially problematic if it occurs around specific staff members at the nursing home. If an elderly person suddenly seems very nervous or refuses to talk to one of the staff members, it could indicate that abuse is taking place, even when there are no physical symptoms.
Seeking justice for the elderly and navigating these legal situations can be complex, which is why it can be helpful for family members to work with an experienced law firm while looking into their options.
