Signs of Nursing Home Abuse

No one looks forward to having to talk a loved one into moving into a nursing home, but the bottom line is that this is a step that needs to be taken in order to protect the safety of that person.  People who see a family member move into a nursing home often experience an array of emotions that include guilt, sadness and concern, but one emotion that many people expect to feel when this day comes is relief.  For most people, relief never really comes as we never stop worrying about those we love regardless of where they live or the care they are receiving.

In this situation, that is actually a good thing because family members and friends need to remain vigilant when someone they care about moves into a nursing home.  The reason is that problems regarding nursing home abuse in New York and across the rest of the United States are getting worse, and that trend is expected to continue as the population of the country collectively ages.  This vigilance should be directed towards detecting and recognizing any warning signs of abuse that may appear, and a few examples of them are listed below:

  • Sudden and radical changes in personality
  • Expressions of fear or anxiety, especially when staff members are present
  • A refusal to discuss certain topics that may seem otherwise innocuous
  • The appearance of unexplained physical injuries
  • Sudden and unexplained financial difficulties

The examples above are far from exhaustive in nature, but they are some of the most common warning signs.  You know your loved one the best, and you need to pay attention to any changes in that nursing home resident whether they are obvious or subtle.  Many studies have shown that the majority of nursing home residents who are abused do not say anything to anyone about what is happening, which means that it’s up to those close to these residents to notice that something is wrong and take action.

There are several different types of nursing home abuse that are more common than others, and a few of these examples include:

  • Physical abuse
  • Emotional abuse
  • Sexual abuse
  • Financial abuse

Given that people who are living in nursing homes are obviously vulnerable to begin with, any signs that any of these forms of abuse may be occurring should be treated with the utmost in urgency, as every day that this abuse continues can lead to devastating consequences.

The trouble is that most people are generally unaware of what they can or should do when they suspect that nursing home abuse is occurring.  This is not something that people are accustomed to handling, and all that matters when this discovery is made or these suspicions arise for them is that something is done to put an end to this conduct.  Anyone who does suspect that a loved one is being mistreated in a nursing home should seek the help of New York nursing home abuse lawyers who can guide them through the process of standing up for the rights of their loved one.  If this includes you, contact The Fitzgerald Law Firm today to schedule a free initial consultation.