If you are reading this, it likely means you or a loved one have experienced issues in a nursing home. Mental or physical abuse in these facilities can have a significant impact on your well-being. In such situations, it is essential to have a compassionate nursing home abuse attorney to support you.
Here are some signs indicating it may be time to hire a nursing home abuse attorney.
-
Signs of Abuse
Unexplained injuries are one of the most common signs of abuse or neglect in a nursing home. When you visit your loved ones in a nursing home and see a sign of abuse or neglect, you must look further into the root cause of the problem.
You can look for signs of abuse and ask your loved ones about them. If you have a strong suspicion that something is wrong, you must instantly get in touch with compassionate nursing home abuse attorneys.
Professionals such as nursing home abuse attorneys can help you get the best representation for yourself or a loved one. They can ensure that your voice does not go unheard and you receive justice.
-
Marks of Restraints
Signs of restraints are another sign that someone may be mistreated at a nursing home. Every time you meet your loved ones, make sure to take a look at their ankles and wrists for marks.
If you see any visible marks or scarring, the nursing home staff may be using inappropriate restraining methods. This can be a sign for you to get in touch with a compassionate nursing home abuse attorney.
-
Malnutrition and Dehydration
People who entrust themselves or their loved ones with nursing homes also want their needs to be met. Unfortunately, sometimes, the staff at nursing homes may fail to take care of basic needs such as nutrition and diet.
Several individuals in care homes suffer due to inadequate nutrition and hydration. This problem can be recognized by signs such as weight loss, confusion, dizziness, and more. If you see these signs, asking a professional for help can be highly recommended.
-
Fear and Anxiety
In addition to the physical signs of abuse and neglect, you must also keep an eye on behavioral changes. For example, you must act if you see that a loved one in a nursing home is scared around staff members.
You can try to have a conversation with your loved one to see if they express any concerns. You must make them feel safe and comfortable while having this conversation so that they can fully open up to you.
Even if they are unable to speak their mind due to fear, do not let your suspicions slide by. Instead, keep a close eye on the triggers and get help from professionals such as a nursing home abuse lawyer.
-
Distant Behaviour
Looking at your loved ones becoming distant from you can be extremely painful. While you may be trying to figure out what went wrong between you and your loved one, the reason may be something you may not have expected.
One of the main reasons why people at nursing homes may feel distant and withdrawn can be mistreatment. Whether physical or verbal, abuse can lead to sadness and anxiety among people in care homes.
-
Challenging Communication
The best care homes worldwide recognize the importance of communication for their clients. They understand that remaining in touch with loved ones is essential for their mental well-being.
Even with the importance of communication in perspective, some nursing homes may make it difficult for your loved ones to reach out to you. They may restrict your regular contact with them. This can make you and your loved ones in a care home feel anxious.
If you have been facing the same challenge of getting in touch with your loved one, try to find out the reason and take instant action. Involving a nursing home abuse attorney can give you mental satisfaction.
-
Evasive Answers
In some cases, the nursing home staff may provide you with evasive answers. From telling you not to come for a visit to refusing to let you talk to your loved one, every inconsistent answer must raise a concern.
Evasive answers can be a sign of nursing home staff trying to hide negligence and abuse. If you have been listening to evasive answers and excuses for some time, taking action is extremely crucial.
-
Missing Valuables
Many people are reluctant to part with their personal belongings before moving into a nursing home. While reputable nursing homes prioritize the safety of both residents and their possessions, some may take advantage of the vulnerabilities of their residents.
If your loved one’s personal items, such as jewelry, money, or important documents, are missing, this might indicate theft. You must get in touch with authorities to take action and retrieve the missing valuables.
If you suspect theft, make sure that you also keep an eye on your loved one’s bank account. It is always recommended that you contact the authorities if you see any large purchases or withdrawals from their account.
-
Neglect of Medical Conditions
Nursing homes have a legal and ethical obligation to ensure that their residents receive proper medical care and attention. If the staff fails to do so, it is considered to be a sign of negligence that can endanger the nursing home residents.
Inadequate medical care can lead to several long-term healthcare problems for your loved one. If you learn that your loved one has repeated infection, bed sores, or ulcers, you must question the management and involve the relevant authorities.
-
Obstruction of External Oversight
Although nursing homes are highly regulated, unfortunately, there is always a chance of misconduct. In some cases, nursing homes prevent residents from communicating with external authorities or family members trying to hide something.
An expert facility will have open communication with oversight bodies. If you suspect misconduct, getting in touch with a nursing home abuse lawyer may be the best step to take.
You must always ask your loved ones if they have been restricted from getting in touch with external authorities such as state health departments. In addition, you must also look for signs of abuse. When both of these signs are paired, you must get in touch with the relevant authorities instantly.
