Signs of Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect

When your loved one can no longer care for themselves and you don’t have the time or resources to care for them either, your only option may be to put them in a nursing home. This is not a decision you should take lightly. While millions of Americans live in nursing homes, many receive poor care.

There are many reasons for nursing home abuse and neglect. Working in a nursing home is a tough job that requires a lot of patience, and unfortunately, many workers are not cut out for this job. This leads to significant staff turnover. This staffing shortage means employees are stressed out and overworked. Also, many staff members lack sufficient training. They do not know how to properly care for these elderly people, who often suffer from physical or mental disabilities.

Are you worried that your loved one may be neglected or abused in a nursing home? If so, look for these signs.

Changes in Behavior

Is your loved one sleeping more than normal? Are they more anxious than usual? Do they seem more withdrawn? If so, these changes in behavior could happen for several reasons. A  medication overdose could cause sleepiness and confusion. If your loved one seems scared and unwilling to socialize, then it could be because they have been abused by nursing home staff. Many patients are unwilling to talk about the abuse they suffer, so they keep quiet.

Bed Sores

If patients are immobile, they should be moved often to prevent bed sores. If they are kept in one place for too long, this could lead to open wounds and even skin infections. If your loved one has bed sores, then nursing home staff members aren’t doing their jobs. They are neglecting your loved one.

Poor Hygiene

Your loved one should be getting help with everyday tasks, such as getting dressed and bathing. They should be kept clean, with nails trimmed. If your loved one smells like urine or feces and has unkempt clothing or hair, then he or she is being neglected.

Unexplained Bruises and Injuries

Nursing home staff members should be keeping your loved one safe and healthy. If they suddenly have bruises, scratches or broken bones, it may be because they are fighting off a staff member who is trying to physically or sexually abuse them. The staff member may be trying to force feed or do something their loved one does not want them to do. 

Get Legal Help for Your Florida Nursing Home Case 

Sadly, not all nursing home patients receive top-notch care. Staff turnover is common in this industry and it is not uncommon for patients to get neglected or even abused.

The Tampa nursing home abuse attorneys at the Pawlowski//Mastrilli Law Group can help you with your nursing home case. If your loved one was harmed by negligent nursing home staff, we will thoroughly investigate your case and help you fight for the compensation your family deserves. Our team has 25 years of experience. To schedule a free consultation, contact us at 813-242-4404 or fill out the online form.

Resource:

carepathways.com/articles/signs-of-elderly-neglect-or-abuse-in-nursing-home.cfm

https://megajustice.com/in-the-face-of-coronavirus-nursing-home-safety-is-more-important-than-ever/