Signs of Nursing Home Abuse or Negligence

The growing number of nursing home abuse and negligence cases in the US is becoming a huge concern. More than 1.3 million people reside in nursing homes throughout the country, facing some form of abuse on a daily basis.

Abuse can take many different forms and having a better understanding of it is vital to keep your elderly loved ones safe.

What Is Nursing Home Abuse?

Nursing home abuse refers to the staffs’ actions that harm the residents of the facility. These actions may be deliberate or unintended and can result in medical emergencies, trauma, and in severe instances, death.

On the other hand, nursing home negligence occurs when the residents in the facilities don’t get the care and treatment they need. This negligence by the staff can lead to physical or mental health issues.

Types of Abuse in Nursing Homes

Usually, when we hear the term abuse, the first thing that we think of is physical harm. However, nursing home abuse can include sexual, emotional, or any other type of harm.

Knowing the type of abuse your close ones endured is vital to helping them. Here are some common types of nursing home abuse that your loved ones could endure.

Physical Abuse

Physical abuse is the result of a staff member hurting a resident in a ways that results in physical injuries. Any action such as pushing, pulling, etc., that can cause physical injuries will fall under the category of physical abuse.

Sexual Abuse

Sexual abuse is also common in nursing homes, including unwanted sexual advances. This abuse is, unfortunately, quite common, and various nursing home facilities throughout the US have dealt with lawsuits because of it.

Emotional Abuse

Emotional abuse entails any action that harms a person’s mental health and well-being. It includes yelling, taunting, or other activities that lead to residents experiencing depression or anxiety.

Negligence

The nursing home staff might be negligent about something that could lead to physical injuries or even death. Their negligence, such as not giving proper infection treatment or forgetting to give medication, will fall under negligence.

Warning Signs That You Need To Look For

Picking up the warning signs is critical to saving your loved ones from the any form of abuse. The symptoms can be wounds, injuries, or a sudden change in behavior.

Physical Abuse

Signs of physical abuse are relatively easy to identify since they include:

• Bruises, burns, and lumps on the skin
• Wounds, scratches, and skin tears
• Head or dental injuries
• Infection, bedsores, or pressure ulcers

Signs of other abuse can be challenging to identify. Therefore, there is a possibility that they might continue for an extended period before you can identify them.

Emotional Abuse Warning Signs

Knowing if your loved one is suffering from emotional abuse in a nursing home can be difficult. Nevertheless, you can look out for the following signs:

• Any symptoms of PTSD
• Thoughts about committing suicide or self-harm
• Substance abuse
• Aggressive behavior
• Lowered self-esteem

Sexual Abuse Warning Signs

Finding signs of sexual abuse can also be challenging. You can look for the following things:

• STDs
• Inappropriate physical contact
• Bruises or lumps around the pelvis area

Report Nursing Home Abuse Today

If you or your loved one has suffered physical, emotional, or sexual abuse at the nursing home, you need to report it as soon as possible. Some of the ways that you can keep your loved ones safe from nursing home abuse is by calling Adult Protective Services (APS) or getting a lawyer to help you build a case.

The legal action will help you get compensation for the pain and suffering your loved ones endured. Seeking the help of a professional Birmingham nursing home abuse lawyer can help you get in-depth understanding of the laws for nursing abuse.