When an elderly person enters a nursing home facility, family members expect their loved ones to be treated well. Nursing home caregivers should provide for residents by helping to ensure their needs are met, such as tending to their medical conditions. However, many nursing home residents are at risk of abuse and neglect from their caretakers.
It is often harder for elderly people to defend themselves because of physical and mental limitations. Nursing home abuse and neglect are not always obvious. It may take time before family members realize their elderly loved one is a victim of abuse and neglect. Here are a few signs to look for if you suspect an elderly loved one is suffering from abuse and neglect:
1. Unexplainable injuries
Does an elderly loved one have cuts, bruises, burns or broken bones? Are these injuries reoccurring? This could be a sign that an elderly loved one is suffering from physical abuse.
2. Estate plan changes
Did an elderly loved one suddenly make changes to their estate plan? Nursing home caregivers may try to take advantage of residents by changing their estate plan so that the caregiver benefits after the elderly person passes away.
3. Bedsores and infections
Does an elderly loved one have bedsores? Bedsores are often caused when an elderly person is not getting enough movement. These bedsores can develop infections if the elderly person is not cleaned regularly.
There are many reasons why an elderly loved one may suffer abuse and neglect while in a nursing home. This could happen if a nursing home is hiding the fact that a caregiver has a criminal record. It could also happen in facilities that have very few staff members. Legal guidance is available for families of loved ones who are suffering from nursing home abuse. Damages may be awarded to families in a successful nursing home abuse case.