When we allow our elderly and disabled loved ones to live in a nursing home and assisted care facilities, we place a tremendous a lot of trust in the caretakers and medical personnel who will oversee their residency. Unfortunately, because we only see our loved ones on visits to these facilities, it can be difficult to know when that trust has been broken. Below, let's take a look at some of the most common signs of nursing home abuse and neglect.
Decline In Health
One of the clearest and most urgent signs that your nursing home has been negligent is a marked decline in the health of your loved one. It's normal for elderly people to face health issues, but if the issues indicate signs of abuse or neglect (such as dehydration and malnutrition, or signs of physical abuse or falls), then it may be time to act.
Bed Sores (Or Pressure Ulcers)
These injuries develop when bedridden residents are not regularly cared for and are left to languish in bed for far longer than they should. These injuries continue to be a common indicator of neglect and can be particularly harmful to the health of a resident.
Unsanitary Conditions
It's always recommended that before choosing a nursing home, you should take note of how clean the facility seems. If you start to notice a decline in cleanliness or your loved one's hygiene, it may be a sign that the staff is not doing all it can to foster a safe and healthy environment.
Change In Demeanor
If you detect a distinct change in the demeanor of your loved one—for instance if they become more withdrawn or angry or confused—it can be an indication that something is wrong. This can be difficult to gauge because many residents take a long time to adjust to their new residence or are dealing with medical issues that could affect their mood or personality. Still, if this kind of shift coincides with other possible signs of neglect or abuse, it may be time to speak to someone.
If you believe that your loved one has been a victim of nursing home neglect or abuse, McGee, Lerer & Associates is ready to help you take action. Our Long Beach personal injury lawyers have recovered millions of dollars in relief for clients who have been wronged and injured and do not charge any legal fees until we secure them the compensation they deserve.
Ready to start exploring your legal options? Call our offices today or use our online form to request a free case evaluation.