During the holiday season, many people visit nursing homes. You may go to a nursing care facility to see friends or family members, or as a volunteer to bring holiday cheer. When visiting a nursing home facility, it is imperative to be on the lookout for signs of any problems that could indicate a vulnerable senior is being abused.
According to WIAT, nursing home abuse is extremely common. One survey of 2,000 residents of nursing home facilities revealed that 44 percent said they had personally been the victims of abuse and 95 percent had witnessed someone else being either abused or neglected. Too many seniors are not able to speak up for themselves to put a stop to abuse, and they need someone who can help them file appropriate reports and file civil lawsuits to get compensation for the harm they endure. An elder abuse lawyer can help those who are harmed by abuse, so speak up and get in touch with an attorney if you believe someone in your life has been harmed by poor treatment at a nursing home.
Signs of Atlanta Nursing Home Abuse to Watch For
As you visit loved ones in nursing homes over the holiday season, you should be aware of the six primary types of abuse which nursing home residents are subject to so you can be watchful for any signs that any abuse or neglect is occurring.
Administration for Community Living defines the six types of abuse to include:
- Physical abuse
- Financial abuse or exploitation
- Neglect
- Sexual abuse
- Emotional abuse
- Abandonment
When a nursing care provider accepts a patient, the nursing facility becomes responsible for providing for the patient’s needs and for ensuring the resident is able to maintain an acceptable quality of life. Any abuse or neglect, whether it is intentional or whether it results from understaffing, lack of training, or carelessness, can result in severe physical and emotional damage to seniors. Some of the different signs of abuse to watch for include:
- Burns, bruises, cuts, and other physical injuries.
- Depression, anxiety, or fear- especially around certain caregivers.
- Loss of interest in normal activities.
- Unexplained or dramatic weight loss.
- Poor hygiene.
- Ripped or torn clothing or broken eyeglasses.
- Broken bones which cannot be explained.
- Bed sores or pressure ulcers.
- Unexplained disappearance of money or assets.
- Redness around the genitals or breasts.
These and other signs of abuse are major red flags which should prompt immediate action. If abuse or neglect is discovered and a senior suffers any harm as a result of the failure of the nursing facility, the nursing home and staff members can all be held accountable for both economic and non-financial damage. An experienced attorney can help in taking legal action to hold nursing home facilities legally and financially responsible for damage that abuse and neglect can cause to vulnerable seniors.
Do You Suspect Your Loved One Is Being Subjected To Nursing Home Abuse?
If you believe your loved one may be the victim of nursing home neglect or abuse you should speak with an experienced nursing home abuse attorney as soon as possible. Please contact us online or call our office directly at (800) 234-9556 to schedule your free consultation.