Sadly, nursing home abuse is a rampant issue in the United States today. Although it may be difficult to detect at first, there are several signs that nursing home residents may exhibit if they are subject to abuse or neglect.
If you suspect that an elderly member of your family is suffering from mistreatment in their assisted living facility, reach out to a knowledgeable personal injury attorney to discuss legal options. A Roswell nursing home abuse lawyer could help you hold the facility accountable and recover compensation for all the damage they caused.
Warning Signs of Nursing Home Abuse
It can be difficult to detect ongoing abuse or neglect, since nursing home residents are not always able to communicate if something is wrong. However, there are several indications that family members should look out for. The following are common signs of nursing home neglect or abuse:
- Changes in mood or behavior
- Unexplained visible physical injuries (e.g., bruising or scrapes)
- Malnourishment
- Emotional withdrawal
- Self-isolation
- Rapid weight gain or loss
This is a non-exhaustive list, and a mistreated nursing home resident may exhibit a variety of behavioral, emotional, mental, or physical changes. As such, it is important for family members to maintain regular contact with their elderly loved on and remain perceptive when visiting them. This is key in detecting abuse or neglect early on.
Reporting Abuse in an Roswell Assisted Living Facility
If a family member believes that the assisted living facility or one of their staff members is mistreating a resident, they should report their suspicions immediately so that the appropriate authorities can begin an investigation. Afterward, an experienced attorney in the community could discuss further legal actions, such as a nursing home abuse claim against the facility or staff member.
Types of Nursing Home Negligence Cases
The term "nursing home abuse" encompasses a wide range of harmful behaviors against an elderly person. Common examples of nursing home abuse or neglect include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Financial abuse (i.e., unlawful use or embezzling of a nursing home resident's funds)
- Assault or battery
- Withholding or reducing food or water intake
- Failure to provide adequate healthcare (e.g., neglecting to provide a resident with treatment for injuries or medicate them)
Anyone who suspects the above behaviors by a nursing home facility or staff member should immediately call local law enforcement or file a report with one of the resources listed here.
Consult an Experienced Roswell Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer
Residents of assisted living facilities are particularly vulnerable to abuse or neglect at the hands of their caretakers. Although most nursing homes provide adequate care, family members should be on the lookout for any indications of their loved one’s mistreatment.
If you believe your elderly family member is the victim of nursing home neglect or abuse, talk to a compassionate attorney about seeking financial compensation for their losses. A Roswell nursing home abuse lawyer could further explain the process of filing and pursuing this time of civil claim, so call today to set up a consultation.