Abuse in nursing homes can take many different forms. A resident of a nursing home can suffer sexual, emotional, or physical abuse. The law makes it clear that anyone who believes a loved one might be a victim needs to get in touch with the Department of State Health Services right away. You can click here to learn more.
How can you tell if your loved one is suffering abuse at a nursing home facility?
The first line of defense for a loved one is understanding the warning signs of abuse, which include the following:
1. Bruises or markings
A bruising or other sign on a loved one is possibly one of the most apparent indicators of assault in a nursing home. According to the National Center on Elder Abuse, these marks may come from slapping, shaking, hitting, or striking. Furthermore, someone may have marks from the area where they were restrained, most likely on their wrists or forearms.
2. Sudden change in behavior
Determining the precise reason behind a senior loved one’s unusual behavior can be challenging. A variety of medical conditions, including dementia and stroke, may cause a person to alter in behavior. Abuse, however, can also cause people to behave differently than they usually do. A person may appear withdrawn or possibly depressed due to the transgression.
3. Unexplained medical conditions
An inexplicable infection or sexually transmitted illness is one indicator of sexual abuse. It is imperative to highlight that sexual abuse can occur when staff members take advantage of patients or between residents. In any event, there may be reason to suspect foul play if testing reveals that a person has unexpectedly contracted an STD.
4. Visibly tense relationships
Keeping an eye on the interactions between a loved one and workers is a way that friends and family can detect signs of elder abuse. If abuse has occurred, the resident may become tense or behave differently around the perpetrator.
Any one of these symptoms could be the result of chance on its own. An older person may have fallen and sustained bruising, or there may have been another reason. Family members should, nevertheless, exercise caution whenever any of these problems emerge. It might be necessary to discuss the matter with the staff or bring it up with a higher authority.
If abuse occurs in a nursing home, victims may pursue legal action. They have the option to not only vacate the premises but also pursue recompense and fairness from the accountable party. Anybody with inquiries about this matter ought to consult a personal injury lawyer.
