Signs Of Nursing Home Abuse Or Neglect

Nursing home abuse and neglect are serious issues that affect millions of seniors and their families every year. At Moore Law Firm we have seen cases where residents have suffered significant physical injury, illness, psychological damage and even death. Most nursing homes and assisted living facilities employ dedicated professional caregivers and administrators who truly care about their residents, but many have a high turnover of employees and are more focused on making money than properly caring for the vulnerable. Types of abuse and neglect can include:

• Physical abuse
• Emotional abuse
• Sexual abuse
• Withholding food or drink, which can cause malnourishment or dehydration
• Letting diseases or conditions go untreated
• Misdiagnosis
• Improper administration of medications
• Neglect or lack of adequate supervision, which can lead to falling
• Failing to request outside medical support
• Lack of an effective evacuation plan in case of an emergency such a fire or natural disaster

Nursing Home Abuse And Neglect: What To Look For

Nursing homes have a legal obligation to provide a reasonably safe environment, maintain adequate health and safety policies and provide the required standard of care and medical treatment. If a patient is neglected or abused at a nursing home, the facility may be liable for the patient’s illness, injury or wrongful death. Knowing the signs of abuse and neglect can help you identify and stop it before your loved one suffers any further. It is important to keep an eye out for the following signs:

• Bed sores and ulcers
• Poor personal hygiene
• Fractured or broken bones
• Scratches, bruises or burns
• Rapid weight loss
• Memory loss or forgetfulness
• Sudden changes in normal behavior
• Withdrawal from social activities
• Anxiety, anger and depression
• Use of restraints
• Evasiveness or unwillingness of healthcare providers to answer questions

What To Do If You Suspect Nursing Home Abuse

If you suspect that your loved one may be a victim of abuse or neglect, contact the proper authorities and seek the counsel of a qualified attorney. An attorney can assist you with reporting the abuse to Alabama Adult Protective Services and appropriate law enforcement agencies, determine what types of damages your loved one may be entitled to, and ensure that his or her rights and interests are protected.

If you or a loved one has been affected by nursing home abuse or neglect, our caring attorneys at Moore Law Firm can help you recover the compensation you deserve. Contact us to schedule a consultation with one of our attorneys today.