Certain groups of nursing home residents are at a greater risk of sustaining abuse and neglect. Residents with communication complications or mental health conditions are just a few examples. Unfortunately, the majority of nursing home abuse episodes go unreported. Victims feel embarrassed or ashamed to tell anyone. This blog discusses the demographics that are at a higher risk of enduring nursing home abuse and the signs of abuse to look out for.
Residents that are More Vulnerable to Nursing Home Abuse
Mental Health Conditions
Residents with mental health conditions cannot easily communicate if something bad happens to them. They are also less likely to report abuse since they fear that no one will trust their word. Unfortunately, this also means that their abuse goes unreported and unnoticed. You should pay close attention to your loved one’s behavior whenever you go to visit them for signs of potential abuse.
Communication Complications
People with communication complications are not able to report abuse easily. They may not even understand what is happening to them. This is particularly true with nonverbal people that have difficulty understanding English. You should look for signs of abuse and pay close attention to the body language of your loved one. This is especially important if they have communication complications.
Signs of Abuse to Look Out For
You should be aware of many signs of abuse, neglect, and negligence. This includes broken bones, cuts, burns, bruises, and more. It’s critical to speak up if you notice any of these signs of abuse. You should pay attention to changes in behavior, such as sudden mood swings or withdrawal from activities. These are the top signs of nursing home negligence:
Broken Bones
Fractured or broken bones provide a clear indication that your loved one is seriously hurt. This may or may not be a form of nursing home abuse.
Skin Wounds
There is a high likelihood of negligence if the following types of wounds occur on your loved one’s skin:
- Burns
- Bruises
- Cuts
- Welts
- Skin tears
- Lacerations
Famished Appearance
Your loved one may not be getting the nourishment or hydration they require if you notice a famished appearance. This is a form of physical abuse.
Sleep Issues
Your loved one has probably endured physical abuse if you notice signs of insomnia, fatigue, and other sleep disorders. They may be scared of going to sleep. There may be a real fear that more abuse will follow.
Dental or Head Injuries
Head and dental injuries are usually indicative of physical abuse in nursing homes
Consult with an Experienced Nursing Home Abuse Attorney
You should speak with an attorney immediately if you suspect your loved one has sustained undue harm as a result of the negligent actions of the nursing facility. The capable team at Walton Law can help. To request your free, no-obligation consultation, call us at (866) 338-7079 or complete this online form.