Protect the Elderly by Recognizing and Reporting Warning Signs of Nursing Home Abuse
Inadequate care can lead to serious physical and emotional damage. This is particularly awful if the resident in question is unable to speak up for themselves because of their current mental and emotional condition. If this is the case then it is the duty of the family members and loved ones to speak up for them, and contact a nursing home abuse lawyer if it becomes clear that the staff members of a facility are abusing their residents.
There are a number of warning signs of elder abuse that will indicate that there is a problem. Individuals that are being neglected will often develop sores that become infected because they are not being bathed or changed frequently. They will show signs of malnutrition and dehydration such as excessive weight gain or weight loss. They will also demonstrate signs of depression.
Another warning sign of nursing home abuse is that staff members may try to interfere with family members who want to visit the residents. They do not want loved ones to notice bruises, cuts, or abrasions. Unsavory staff members do not want family members to see that a resident's living quarters are not clean, or notice that the sheets haven't been changed and that the bathroom is unsanitary. They know that if a loved one notices that the hallway is cluttered and dangerous to walk down, that their facility could be investigated and penalized. That is why it is important for family members to visit on a regular basis, and make a note of any staff behavior that seems suspicious.
Elderly individuals deserve a lot of love and respect. Their lives and achievements made it possible for their children and grandchildren to live productive and fulfilling lives. Anyone that notices warning signs of nursing home abuse should report the nursing home in question immediately. They should immediately report the abuse, and contact a nursing home abuse lawyer to make sure the situation is resolved quickly.