Signs of Nursing Home Abuse

A growing concern for families in Manhattan is the well-being of their elderly loved ones who are in nursing home facilities. With more and more reports of nursing home abuse across the country coming out, families need to be aware of what to look out for in regards to family members in nursing homes. The truth is that in a two year period, one-third of the nursing homes in the U.S. had at least one citation for abuse. With this said, people need to be vigilant in looking for the warning signs of abuse.

One of the most common forms of abuse which take place in nursing homes is neglect. This does not mean that the victim was actually physically abused, but because of the neglect and negligence of their caregivers, they suffered from physical or emotional harm. Signs of neglect could include malnourishment or weight loss if they are not being properly fed. Pressure sores could also point to neglect if they are not being moved often enough. Although not as common, there are cases of actual physical abuse in nursing homes. Any unexplained injuries or bruises should not be dismissed as nothing as the patient may be too afraid or confused to state what happened.

It is also important that you periodically check on your loved one's financial situation as staff members may financially abuse them. For example, there have been cases where a staff member takes money from the person's bank account or may coerce them into altering their will. If your loved one has been emotionally abused, the signs may be more difficult to detect. Attention to changes in their behavior is important as well as signs of fear or depression. If you have noticed any of these signs and need help, please do not hesitate to get in touch with a member of our firm!