Signs That Could Indicate Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect

 Posted on May 12, 2022 in Nursing Home Abuse/ Neglect

Many families are forced to make the decision to place an elderly loved one in a nursing home because they have reached the point where they can no longer live on their own and require round-the-clock care and assistance. Nursing home staff are responsible for helping residents with their personal hygiene tasks, such as showering and dressing, as well as making sure they take their medication, eat right, and participate in socializing. The law requires that these duties are carried out with both compassion and care.

But not all nursing home staff obey these laws, and when they fail to comply, the results can result in serious injury or even death for a resident. A nursing home resident who is not physically or mentally able to care for their own needs could forget to eat, take their medication, wander off the facility, or fall because no one is supervising them. It is critical for all families to be aware of any signs that could indicate their loved one is a victim of nursing home abuse or neglect.

Warning Signs of Neglect or Abuse

There are many ways that nursing home neglect can occur. Residents can be denied food and liquids, denied use of the bathroom facilities, or denied help to take care of their personal hygiene needs. The facility itself can be cluttered, unclean, or there could be environmental hazards, such as medical waste not properly disposed of that could be dangerous for residents.

There are also physical signs that could indicate nursing home abuse or neglect is occurring. Bed sores, also referred to as pressure sores, are a common red flag that the resident is being neglected. An elderly resident who is not mobile relies on staff to reposition them on a regular basis in order to prevent these pressure sores.

Another major red flag of abuse is if the resident has unexplained injuries, such as abrasions, bruises, or lacerations. Fractures should also send up a warning that intervention is needed immediately.

Financial Abuse

Nursing home residents are not only victims of physical or emotional abuse or neglect but can also be targeted for financial abuse. The following signs are often indicators that this could be happening:

• Bank account transfers or withdrawals that the resident does not know about or cannot explain

• Multiple personal checks were written out by the resident to a certain staff member or other caregiver

• Names added to the resident’s bank signature card

• Changes in the resident’s usual banking habits, such as unexpected or frequent withdrawals

• Resident’s personal items go missing

• Changes to the resident’s will or other financial documents that no one in the family knew about

• Resident’s forged signature on title transfers or other financial transactions

• Resident no longer wants to discuss financial matters with family or loved ones

Contact a Cook County Personal Injury Attorney

If you suspect your loved one is a nursing home abuse or neglect victim, you need to take immediate action. Call Gruzmark Law, Ltd. at 847-729-7660 to schedule a free consultation with a dedicated Northbrook, IL nursing home abuse attorney to find out what legal steps you should take to protect your loved one and what legal recourse you have against the facility.

Source:

https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs3.asp?ActID=1222&ChapterID=21