Spotting the Signs of Nursing Home Abuse

Though it is difficult to pin down exact numbers on nursing home abuse and neglect, there is no doubt that it occurs throughout the country. Many cases are unreported due to definition issues (it varies from state to state what exactly constitutes 'abuse') and state variations in how to report neglect or abuse. The National Center on Elder Abuse estimates that caregivers have mistreated between one and two million Americans aged 65 or older. Elder abuse estimates range from 2% to 10% of all elderly Americans.

For every one reported case, an estimated five more go unreported. If you suspect that nursing home staff has abused or neglected a loved one of yours, a Washington DC or Boston injury attorney can help you obtain compensation and put an end to the suffering of other elderly Americans.

Telltale Signs of Nursing Home Abuse

It is important to do research on nursing homes for your loved one and follow that up with in-person visits and questions for the staff. Some of the things for which you should be on the lookout include:

• Unusual weight loss
• Nursing home staff refusing to allow visitors or imposing excessive delays on visits
• Staff not permitting a visitor to be alone with the resident (the patient may not feel free to talk under such conditions)
• Use of restraints (including drugs that were not cleared with a physician)
• Open wounds and cuts that do not appear to heal and may be appearing as infections
• Improper medication dosages (including giving too much medication, not the correct medications, or wrong amounts)
• Unsanitary conditions
• Neglect in failing to provide adequate food and water or failing to meet personal hygiene needs of a nursing home patient
• Verbal or emotional abuse (this abuse can manifest itself by a patient's unexplained withdrawal from activities or a sudden change in mood)
• Investigate further anytime a patient suffers a broken bone
• Frequent arguments between caregivers and the patient
• Any financial changes regarding the patient, including bank account withdrawals or changes in a will

The National Center on Elder Abuse recommends that the most important thing to do is be alert. Even minor complaints or things that may not strike you as important can be clues that something worse is going on. Contact a Boston or Washington DC injury lawyer at Pollack & Flanders, LLP if nursing home caregivers have neglected or abused your loved one.