Signs of Nursing Home Abuse or Neglect
Salt Lake City, Tooele and Price, Utah
As the number of seniors who need full-time care rises in the U.S., unfortunately, so does the number of cases of nursing home patient abuse and neglect.
Perhaps even more unfortunate is many victims of nursing home abuse are not able to communicate the issue or are afraid to report the incidents.
At G. Eric Nielson & Associates, LLC, we understand the critical issues surrounding the investigation of nursing home abuse cases. Our research and medical malpractice claim experts will work uncompromisingly to get these innocent victims the compensation they deserve.
The Role of Loved Ones in Preventing Nursing Home Neglect
Family members, friends and other loved ones can play an important role in uncovering situations where nursing home abuse or neglect may be occurring.
Nursing home abuse can be any type of situation where a staff member or other attending healthcare professional causes emotional, mental or physical pain to a patient. Abuse can range from the horrors of sexual or physical assault to overmedicating.
Likewise, nursing home neglect can be any situation where an assigned staff member or healthcare professional fails to meet a patient’s medical and basic living needs. Neglect can range from failure to provide nutrition or to prevent bed sores to allowing unsanitary conditions to continue day in and day out.
Watch for these important signals of potential nursing home abuse or neglect:
- Unexplained bruising, scratches, burns, welts or broken bones
- Unexplained weight loss
- Unprecedented anxiety, depression and/or withdrawal
- Blood on clothing and/or bedding
- Frequent bedsores
- Increased disorientation and confusion
- Demonstrated fear around specific nursing home staff or when you move quickly toward the patient
- Physical restraint devices on bed or wheelchair
- Abrupt changes in behavior or health conditions that could mean medication withholding or overmedicating
- Personal hygiene issues, such as urine on clothes, uncombed hair, etc.
- A staff member who seems unwilling to allow you to be alone with the patient
Do you think that your loved one may be suffering from nursing home abuse or neglect? It is important to act quickly and consult with an experienced medical malpractice attorney, as well as the appropriate healthcare authorities.
For situations in Utah, please contact the Salt Lake City nursing home abuse attorneys at G. Eric Nielson & Associates, LLC.
