Cases of nursing home abuse and neglect are more common than many people realize, but when families decide to place a loved one in a nursing home, those worrying data bring a lot of concerns making this already hard decision even more challenging. Because of that families need to stay proactive and informed about their senior loved ones all the time, and if they suspect abuse or neglect, knowing when to seek legal assistance can make a significant difference in protecting their loved ones and ensuring justice is served.
If you are considering placing your elderly in a nursing home, or your loved one is already a resident of that kind of facility, you are probably wondering how you can make sure that he is safe and that he/she is provided with the best quality care possible.
This guideline is for all the families who are struggling with the same questions and it outlines key indicators for you to recognize and, if you do, consult a lawyer specializing in nursing home abuse cases immediately.
- Physical Injuries with No Clear Explanation
When it comes to signs of abuse, some of the most common signs are unexplained injuries, which may include:
- Bruises, cuts, or burns
- Broken bones or fractures
- Frequent falls or signs of restraint
If you notice any of these signs you should address your concerns to nursing home management. If the staff cannot provide a logical explanation for these injuries, it is crucial to react and seek legal help. Consult a lawyer because he can investigate whether these injuries are the result of negligence or intentional harm.
- Sudden Changes in Behavior or Mood
This indicator is a bit harder to detect, but if you stay alert and look carefully at how your loved one is behaving and feeling, you can see it. Emotional and psychological harm is just as damaging as physical, so make sure to watch out for signs that include:
- Increased anxiety or depression
- Fearfulness around certain staff members
- Withdrawal from social interactions
Since these signs are harder to document than physical injuries, you should ask a lawyer for help. He can assist in gathering evidence and building a case if emotional abuse is suspected.
- Poor Hygiene and Unsanitary Conditions
Nursing homes have to maintain sanitary conditions for residents, especially for those with specific medical conditions. There are signs you can notice that are indicators of neglect, and they involve:
- Dirty clothing or bedding
- Poor personal hygiene of residents
- Unsanitary living spaces
If a facility has failed to provide the required care standards, a legal expert can help hold the facility accountable for that.
- Unexplained Weight Loss or Dehydration
Facilities must be very careful with nutrition and keeping residents hydrated. If you notice that your loved one is losing weight and there is no medical condition that explains it, that is a clear indicator of malnutrition. Also, if you see that your elderly are dehydrated, it may be time to consult a lawyer.
- Financial Exploitation
Unfortunately, nursing home residents are a vulnerable population, and they are easy targets for financial abuse, which can take more than one form. Here are the most common ones:
- Unauthorized use of a resident’s funds
- Forging signatures on financial documents
- Coercing residents into changing wills or financial plans
This is a very serious case and you need to address it to an attorney immediately. He will help you recover lost assets and prevent further abuse.
- Denial of Basic Rights
The law is protecting nursing home residents with specific rights to dignity, privacy, and proper medical care. If you notice that any of these rights are violated, you need to seek legal counsel. In states like Florida, California, and New York, where regulations governing nursing home operations are strict, families can rely on legal professionals to ensure their senior family members receive the care they deserve.
For example, the state of Florida has seen its nursing home-related violations doubling in numbers since 2019. And according to Becker’s Hospital, Florida’s top three offenders in terms of nursing home violations are Tampa, Miami, and Orlando.
Tampa: Tampa Bay alone makes for 24% of all violations across the whole of Florida.
Miami: Miami is responsible for 22% of all violations.
Orlando: 18% of all violations in Florida, happened in the city of Orlando.
Families who encounter issues with violation of these rights in Florida should consult an attorney. The unfortunate 24% in Tampa should rely on a local Tampa nursing home abuse attorney who’ll be familiar with the local and state law and to better understand their legal options. Similar to that, those in other regions should look for a local attorney who is well familiar with state-specific laws.
Conclusion
Nursing home abuse or neglect is a serious violation of basic human rights for residents, and families should do anything in their power to protect their loved ones and pursue justice. If you notice any of the mentioned indicators of abuse or neglect, make sure to seek help from a legal expert who is willing to explain your rights and take all legal actions required.
Your senior loved ones’ safety and well-being is the most important priority and you need to stay proactive and alert in order to help them if you notice any sign of failure in providing high-quality care for them.
