Personal Injury Blog

Recognizing Nursing Home Abuse

If you have a family member in a nursing home, it is imperative that you know and understand the warning signs of nursing home abuse or neglect.  The thought of your loved one being abused or neglected is a horrifying thought, but by becoming aware of the types of abuse and symptoms, you can help protect them.

Elder abuse is defined as doing something or failing to do something that ultimately harms an elderly person or puts him or her in harm’s way.  Abuse can be either intentional or unintentional.  If your loved one is living in a nursing home facility, the abuser could be the professional caregiver.

There are many forms of nursing home abuse, including physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, neglect and theft.  When someone physically harms an elder person in any way or fails to provide the necessary care, then that person has committed elder abuse and should be held responsible along with the nursing home facility.

The MayoClinic.com lists many warning signs of nursing home abuse, including bruises or cuts, rope burns, unexplainable broken bones, sprains, behavior changes, dehydration, malnourishment, weight loss, poor hygiene, bed sores, agitation, fear and missing money or valuables.  Your family member may also make comments about abuse, which often indicates that abuse or neglect is occurring within the nursing home.  By visiting your loved one regularly, you can identify any of these signs of potential abuse and take necessary action.

If you feel that your loved one is in immediate danger, you need to call the police.  You should also contact a Florida nursing home abuse attorney who can help you file a claim against the nursing home facility.  Contact the nursing home abuse lawyers at the Law Offices of Lilly, O'Toole & Brown, LLP at (863) 683-1111 for legal advice.

The article, Signs of Nursing Home Abuse, has more information on this topic.