Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer
When a vulnerable loved one resides in a nursing home or other long-term care facility, it can be unnerving to be uncertain about how your loved one is being treated. Oftentimes, when residents begin to exhibit concerning physical, emotional, mental, or social changes, loved ones can be left wondering whether these changes could have been prevented. Is the resident getting sick? Advancing in age in ways that are inevitable? Or, are they being harmed? It isn’t always easy to tell. As a result, it is important to both know what the signs of abuse in residents are and to speak with an attorney about any concerns that you might have.
Speaking with an attorney in a confidential setting won’t obligate you to take any action whatsoever. But, as an experienced nursing home abuse lawyer – including those who practice at Davis & Brusca, LLC – can confirm, if your loved one is being mistreated, your silence could unintentionally facilitate further abuse.
Physical Signs of Abuse
There are five primary kinds of abuse that nursing home residents commonly suffer: physical, emotional, sexual, neglect, and exploitation. Physical signs of abuse may include markings on the body, a significant and otherwise unreasonable drop in weight, bedsores, frequent bladder, skin, and/or reproductive infections, dehydration, and a significant change in sleeping habits. Even if the resident is experiencing emotional abuse or exploitation (as opposed to physical abuse, sexual abuse, or neglect), they may show some of these physical signs of abuse.
Emotional, Mental, and Social Signs of Abuse
If your loved one is increasingly withdrawn, agitated, antisocial, or otherwise “not acting like” themselves, this change in behavior may be a red flag. Certainly, there are many reasons why any adult may exhibit behavioral changes. However, it is important—especially if these changes are paired with any other unusual circumstances—to consider that they may be signs of mistreatment.
What Families Can Do if They Are Unsure of Whether Their Loved One Is Being Abused
If you suspect that your loved one may be suffering as a result of abuse, connect with a lawyer to discuss your rights, options, and next steps. Many loved ones feel helpless if they suspect that something is going wrong but they can’t prove it. If you’re feeling this way, an attorney may be able to clarify your situation and uncover the truth so that you can make informed choices about advocating for your loved one’s best interests.
