How to Recognize Sudden Behavior Changes in Nursing Home Residents
Sudden behavior changes in nursing home residents could indicate a few things, including nursing home abuse or neglect. It’s important to always look out for signs of abuse or neglect when you have a loved one in a nursing home. This article discusses sudden behavior changes in nursing home residents, including what they may mean.
Causes of Sudden Behavior Changes in Nursing Home Residents
Here are just a few of the reasons you may notice sudden behavior changes in nursing home residents include:
- A change in medication
- A change in living situation, including a new roommate
- New staff or caregivers
- Physical abuse
- Neglect
- The use of illegal restraints
- Fear
- Medical conditions like Alzheimer’s or dementia
Behavioral changes in a nursing home setting can mean a number of things, but it’s always a good idea to look into it further. You should first discuss the changes with your loved one’s caregiver to determine if they are normal. Your loved one’s caregiver may have an explanation for the behavioral changes. Either way, it’s also a good idea to schedule a checkup with your loved one’s physician.
It may also mean that looking into their care otherwise is important, specifically for signs of abuse or neglect. While behavioral changes may not always indicate that your loved one is the victim of abuse or neglect, it does mean that it’s worth considering. For some nursing home residents, this may be the only way they can communicate their abuse.
How to Follow Up on Behavioral Changes in a Nursing Home
If you notice your loved one behaving differently during a recent visit, one of the first things to do is talk with their caregiver. If you’re still not satisfied with their response or are still worried about your loved one, consider talking with the nursing home management. This may especially be a good idea if their caregiver doesn’t have a good reason.
If you’re still not satisfied with the staff’s response to your loved one’s behavioral changes, it may be worth it to schedule a visit with their physician. You want to rule out any potential medical conditions that could lead to behavioral changes. Your loved one’s physician can also let you know if their behavior could be from any medications they’re using.
If you believe there is abuse or neglect contributing to your loved one’s behavioral changes, you can file a report with the New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH). This opens an investigation into the nursing home. This can also help you find out if any other family members are noticing similar behavioral changes with their loved ones.
When to Contact a Nursing Home Lawyer
If your loved one’s behavioral changes are due to abuse or neglect, it may be worth reaching out to a lawyer. A New Jersey nursing home lawyer can help you collect the funds you and your loved one need to move on. This compensation can help with medical costs, lost wages, and moving costs. You may even be able to collect funds for your loved one’s pain and suffering.
Contact a Moorestown, NJ Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer to Discuss Your Case Today
Seniors in nursing homes and other care facilities deserve to be treated with respect and dignity. Additionally, nursing home staff needs to ensure that patients are safe and secure at all times. If your loved one suffered an injury, or worse, due to nursing home negligence or abuse in New Jersey, you need to speak with a qualified attorney. The experienced nursing home neglect attorneys at Sugarman Law Firm represent clients throughout New Jersey, including New Brunswick, Moorestown, Newark, and Jersey City. Call (732) 877-1975 or fill out the online contact form to schedule a free consultation today. We have an office conveniently located at 80 E Main St, Somerville, NJ 08876, as well as an office in Marlton, NJ.
The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.
