When you entrust the care of your loved one into the hands of another, you hope they are treated with nothing but respect and kindness. And most often, this is the case. Most nursing home or assisted living facilities are staffed with well-intentioned caregivers. However, cases of abuse should be met with emergent and serious attention. That’s why, as an attentive family member of an elder, you ought to look for any signs of abuse.
Why are elders vulnerable?
As your loved one ages, they will develop several needs for which they will need assistance. And with a greater reliance on others come more chances for their mistreatment. In addition, any physical or mental impairments from which they suffer could make them easy targets for abuse. So, be sure to have a keen awareness of any warning signs that may point to their harm.
Kinds of abuse:
Abuse can come in many forms, so be alert in all facets of your elder’s life. These types, according to the Nursing Home Abuse Center, include physical and emotional abuse, neglect from their caregiver, financial exploitation, and healthcare fraud. While many of the warning signs of abuse go unnoticed, overlooked, or undermined, you will need to take a closer look into the initially noticed signs. These may involve your loved one’s unexplained change in behavior, abnormalities to their routine, and any noticeable tension between the elder and the caregiver.
Types of Abuse:
- Physical Abuse. Look for any unexplained broken bones, dislocations or sprains, and bruising or scars on their body. You might also notice any number of damaged possessions such as their eyeglasses.
- Emotional Abuse. Take concern at any change in their behavior. If they are acting uncharacteristically, perhaps seeming withdrawn or frightened, you may need to investigate a bit further. Signs can also include an inability to sleep, depression, and an uninterest in activities they typically enjoy.
- Neglect. In the case that your loved one is being neglected by their caregiver, you may notice several unexplained and peculiar circumstances. The elder’s living conditions may be unsanitary or have insufficient amenities. They might be improperly dressed or unclean. And be sure to check for any bedsores and signs of weight loss and dehydration.
- Financial exploitation. This form of abuse is among the most common. So, be sure to keep an eye on your loved one’s bank account and spending habits. And look out for these signs of exploitation: a dramatic change in their finances, unexplained withdraws, changes in life insurance policies or property titles or wills, and unusual purchases the elder would not have made.
- Health care fraud. This type of abuse has many different forms. If your family member is abused in this way, you may notice that their facility has an insufficient number of staff members, workers with a lack of adequate training, and evidence of inadequate care.
Caring for your loved ones as they age is a challenging process- one that may eventually require hired assistance. So, be sure that you are discerning in the facilities and caretakers you choose. A high-quality nursing home will significantly benefit your family member’s well being, comfort, and safety.
If you suspect that your loved one is suffering from nursing home abuse in some way, please do not hesitate to reach out for legal help. We at Peach and Weathers are prepared to offer you legal counsel in this particular situation with expertise and compassion. Call on your trusted Redlands attorney for cases of nursing home abuse today.
