Common Signs of Nursing Home Abuse
Nursing home abuse refers to any physical, psychological, or financial abuse that occurs in a nursing home or long-term care setting. The abuse may be perpetrated by nursing home staff members, visitors or other residents.
Because many nursing home residents have dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, and other cognitive impairments, they have an increased risk for abuse. It is important for loved ones to recognize the most common signs of nursing home abuse so they can put a stop to this behavior if it occurs.
Physical Signs of Nursing Home Abuse
Family members should visit their loved ones regularly to identify signs of physical abuse as soon as possible. Common signs of physical abuse include the following:
- Unexplained Bruises
- Burns
- Open wounds
- Fractures and broken bones
- Sudden weight loss
- Frequent infections
- Torn clothing
- Bloody bedding or clothing
Emotional Signs of Nursing Home Abuse
Not all Florida nursing home abuse takes the form physical violence. Some perpetrators abuse nursing home patients by intimidating or belittling them. Watch for the following signs of emotional abuse:
- Isolation
- Depressed behavior
- Lack of interest in social activities
- Behavioral changes
- Emotional withdrawal
Financial Signs of Nursing Home Abuse
Some abusers take advantage of nursing home residents by stealing cash and valuables. Other abusers defraud nursing home residents or force them to sign over money and property. Review financial accounts regularly and keep an eye out for these signs of financial abuse:
- Missing checks
- Unusual financial transactions
- Unexplained changes to wills
- Lower account balances than expected
- Missing valuables
- Non-payment of bills
- Unusual purchases
- Changes in power of attorney documents
Call Our Injury Law Team & Put Our Florida Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers to Work for You!
Nursing home abuse causes significant physical, emotional and financial difficulties, so it is important that guilty parties are stopped and brought to justice.
If your loved one has been the victim of any type of nursing home abuse, a Tampa injury attorney can provide valuable advice on the best course of action. Request a free case evaluation by calling Abrahamson & Uiterwyk at 1-800-538-4878.