Many cases of nursing home abuse and neglect go unreported. This is because the victims are often too ashamed or scared to come forward or may not know how to go about reporting it. Some victims may even fear that they will be retaliated against for reporting abuse. Because of this, it’s important that you learn how to spot the signs of nursing home abuse so you can get your loved one help when he or she needs it.
Physical Signs of Abuse
The most obvious signs of abuse will appear on your loved one’s body. Be sure that you frequently check your loved one for bruising, cuts, wounds, and bed sores that indicate she is being abused. If your loved one has suddenly lost a lot of weight or is suffering from frequent infections, this could also be a sign of abuse or neglect.
You should also take note of any changes to your loved one’s personal hygiene. Extreme changes in personal hygiene could be a sign that your loved one is suffering abuse.
Behavioral and Mental Changes
Have you noticed that your loved one is acting odd? This could be a sign of abuse. Many nursing home abuse victims may be withdrawn and unwilling to talk to their family. Victims may be easily agitated and lash out or may burst into tears for no apparent reason. These mood swings are common among those who have suffered extreme abuse. If you notice that your loved one becomes nervous or uncomfortable when a nursing home employee comes into the room, this is also a sign that something is wrong.
Signs of Financial Abuse
You should also be on the lookout for signs that your loved one is being financially abused. If you have access to her finances, look for any unexplained withdrawals or transfers of money. If you don’t have access to her accounts, try to look through her checkbook to see if there are any missing checks that could have been stolen by a nursing home employee. Also, check your loved one’s room to ensure that none of her valuables are missing. You may even want to ask your loved one’s permission to run frequent credit checks. This will help you determine if someone has stolen your loved one’s information to open credit card accounts or engage in other fraudulent activity.
If you suspect that your loved one is being abused in a nursing home, it’s imperative that you take immediate action. Contact an attorney at Reisch Law Firm right away to discuss your legal options. You can schedule a free consultation today by calling 303-291-0555 or filling out this online form.
