Signs of Nursing Home Abuse

While we don't like to think it happens, the sad truth is, abuse and neglect do occur in nursing homes. If your loved one is in a nursing home, you should be aware of signs of abuse so you can recognize early whether your loved one may have become a victim.

When abuse or neglect takes place, you might be able to seek legal action through a nursing home abuse claim. Compensation for damages related to your loved one's injuries may be recoverable.

Signs of Abuse and Neglect

A nursing home patient can be abused a number of ways including financially, sexually, emotionally and physically. While some signs are more obvious, others may take time before they are discovered.

Neglect, on the other hand, is a failure to properly care for and protect a patient. With neglect, it may take longer for signs to be noticeable. Checking your loved one's charts and records will help you determine if he or she is suffering from neglect.

Some of the signs of abuse include:

• sexual assault/battery;

• physical assault/battery;

• improper use of physical restraints;

• deprivation of water/food;

• incorrect medication dosage;

• improper use of medication (used to sedate a patient);

• unexplained injuries (broken bones);

• isolation;

• deteriorating condition of loved one; and

• wounds, cuts, abrasions and lacerations.

Neglect, on the other hand, is obvious through: malnourishment; dehydration; bedsores; stiff or frozen joints; poor personal hygiene; infections; unsanitary conditions; and unexplained medical problems.

Sometimes the victim of nursing home abuse will attempt to report abuse to someone else. These accusations need to be taken seriously and investigated. In other cases, patients may be afraid of repercussions and may try to deny abuse or neglect. Knowing and recognizing the signs of abuse can help you protect your loved one.

When staff members won't allow the patient to be alone with visitors or if staff tends to answer for the patient, it may indicate abuse. Often, patients in nursing homes don't have a voice so the abuse and neglect continues unnoticed.

If you suspect your loved one has suffered signs of abuse, you may be entitled to pursue a nursing home abuse claim. A nursing home abuse attorney will work hard to protect your loved one's legal rights. Additionally, a nursing home abuse attorney will gather the necessary evidence to prove your Illinois nursing home abuse claim.

About the Author

Contact a Chicago Personal Injury Attorney at the law offices of Barry G. Doyle, P.C. to improve your chances at a fair settlement and take the burden out of all the paperwork involved in an Illinois personal injury claim, contact us today for a free case evaluation - 312-263-1080.

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