What are the warning signs of abuse and neglect in assisted living facilities?
Nursing home abuse can present itself in various forms, but the most common include:
- Pressure ulcers, more commonly known as “bedsores”
- An unsanitary environment
- Improper hygiene
- Sudden behavioral changes such as anxiety, introversion, depression, or wandering
- Unexplained weight loss
- Malnutrition
- Dehydration
- New and unexplained injuries, such as broken bones or bruises, that don’t appear to have one root cause
What are bedsores and why are they a top warning sign?
Bedsores not only cause pain and discomfort, but they can be potentially fatal. These “pressure ulcers” typically occur when a bedridden patient isn’t regularly turned by a facility employee. The pressure caused by being in the same position for too long can lead to skin deterioration, infections and even death. This is a clear sign of neglect because it shows that the facility is not providing the care and attention required to keep the patient safe and comfortable. If your loved one has suffered from a bedsore or any other form of neglect or abuse, it is critical to find the right attorney who can conduct an investigation and get answers.
What are the most common types of negligent behaviors seen in nursing facilities?
Negligence shows up in nursing homes in different ways, but it is usually described as a nursing home providing improper care or no care at all. In worst case scenarios, an elderly resident will be intentionally abused by the people who are supposed to be caring for them.
The most common types of neglect and abuse seen in senior homes include:
- Negligent administration of living essentials, including failure to provide adequate water, food, medicine, clothing, or self care items
- Improper hygiene practices
- Financial exploitation
- Abuse of power of attorney or guardianship
- Physical and/or sexual abuse
- Emotional and/or psychological abuse (including verbal attacks, isolation, threats, and humiliation)
- Failure to prevent avoidable accidents
If your loved one has suffered from abusive and/or negligent behavior in an assisted living facility, you may be entitled to compensation. Qualified Counsel can find you an experienced nursing home abuse attorney that will hold the facility accountable for harming your family.
