Nursing Home Abuse Signs to Look For While Visiting Your Grandparents
The holiday season is the perfect time to check up on grandparents in a nursing home. Use this time to get to know your grandparent’s caregivers. You can also use this time to evaluate the safety and level of care your loved one receives in the nursing home. We have compiled a list of things to look for when visiting a loved one in a nursing home.
Physical Signs of Abuse
Physical signs of abuse are usually one of the easiest types of abuse to recognize. Some signs of abuse to look for include:
- Bruises
- Cuts
- Ripped clothing
- Broken bones
- Unexplained injuries
Physical abuse is the most common type of abuse in a nursing home setting. Your loved one may also be fearful of their caregiver. Unexplained injuries that the caregiver is unable to recall can also be an indication of physical abuse.
Signs of Neglect
Nursing home residents are also at risk of neglect. Nursing home neglect occurs when caregivers don’t provide the residents with the basics of daily living, including nutritious meals, clean clothing and bedding, and access to medical care. Some signs of neglect may include:
- Soiled bed sheets or clothing
- Unclean hair
- Bedsores
- Frequent infections
- Dehydration
Neglect may be slightly more difficult to identify than physical abuse. Many residents may not even realize that they’re the victim of neglect.
Changes in Mood
A sudden change in mood can mean your loved one is the victim of psychological abuse. This type of abuse occurs when a caregiver threatens or manipulates the resident. Some signs of psychological abuse may include:
- Fearfulness of their caregiver
- Withdrawal or change in mood
- Inability to sleep
- Lowered self-esteem
Your loved one may not realize that they’re being psychologically abused. They may retreat or even blame themselves.
Change in Valuables or Personal Possessions
Some nursing home residents are also at risk of financial abuse. This occurs when caregivers use a resident’s cash, valuables, or financial accounts without authorization. Some signs of financial abuse may include:
- Missing valuables
- Unexplained bank withdrawals
- New names added to financial accounts
- Loss of control over financial accounts
Caregivers may position financial abuse as if they’re doing your loved one a favor by managing their accounts. You may notice valuable items go missing. You may even notice unpaid bills or changes to your grandparent’s financial accounts. Keeping track of their accounts and valuables can help avoid unauthorized changes.
What to Do if You Suspect Nursing Home Abuse
If you suspect nursing home abuse when visiting your grandparents this holiday season, make sure you report it. Reporting nursing home abuse opens up an investigation into the nursing home. When a nursing home receives too many reports, it may be required to make staffing or procedural changes.
If you believe your loved one is in danger like if they’re the victim of physical abuse, remove them from the situation. You can always report the abuse after your loved one is safe. Nursing home abuse isn’t just emotionally challenging; it can also be expensive. If you and your family incur expenses as a result, make sure you reach out to a nursing home abuse lawyer.
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 Clifton, Moorestown, Trenton, Camden, and Passaic. 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.
