Signs of Nursing Home Abuse

Red Flags for Abuse and Neglect in an Atlanta Nursing Home

If your loved one has been the victim of nursing home abuse or neglect, it is not uncommon for it to go unmentioned. Nursing home neglect and abuse are much more widespread than one might think. Approximately one-third of the nursing home facilities in the United States have been cited for an instance of abuse or neglect, and this only takes into account the reported cases. Some estimates claim over 80% of incidents go unreported. This is why knowing the signs of Atlanta nursing home abuse and neglect is so important for the health and safety of your elder.

If you become aware of any of the signs of nursing home abuse or neglect with regard to your loved one, contact our firm for a free, no-obligation case evaluation.

Atlanta Nursing Home Abuse: Red Flags

If your loved one is in a nursing home, keep an eye out for red flags. If you notice any of the following, contact a nursing home abuse lawyer:

Bedsores (decubitus ulcers) are a result of improper pressure relief, and can occur when patients remain unmoved for long periods of time. Patients who have difficulty with or are unable to move themselves should have a caretaker to shift their position in bed to prevent bedsores from forming.
Dehydration can cause weakness and extreme thirst. If a nursing home resident seems unusually thirsty when you visit him or her, it may be due to lack of water.
Weight loss from malnutrition can be the result of improper feeding or a failure to provide adequate food.
Welts and bruises can be the result of physical abuse, or of patients not being properly supervised.
Bruises around the breasts or genitals are indicators of sexual abuse.
Emotional withdrawal can occur when patients feel isolated, ignored, or disliked. Any type of abuse can cause this reaction in a patient, especially sexual abuse.
Depression and anxiety are the understandable result of any kind of nursing home abuse.
Broken bones can result from physical abuse or improper safety supervision.
Poor hygiene can result from neglect or the willful denial of proper care.
Pneumonia can occur when patients are not provided adequate bedding and their health is not omitted closely.
Financial inconsistencies or late payments are signs of financial abuse in a nursing home.

If you notice any of these signs of nursing home abuse or neglect, speak with your loved one immediately. However, if he or she denies abuse or refuses to discuss it, keep in mind that it may be due to threats made by the abuser, or a desire not to overburden the family. Contact the experienced nursing home abuse lawyers at the Atlanta offices of Morgan & Morgan for a free, no obligation consultation. The quicker you act, the stronger a case our attorneys can build on your loved one’s behalf.

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