Missouri residents who place their loved ones in nursing homes hope that those loved ones will receive the medical care, comfort and kindness that they would have received were they taken care of at home. When a family finds out that their loved one is a victim of nursing home abuse, it can be extremely devastating. Sometimes people don’t find out until it’s too late. Knowing the signs can help save your loved one’s life.
What are some of the signs to look for if you suspect nursing home abuse?
If your loved one has any strange injuries or bruises that can’t be explained by the staff, take a closer look. Even something as simple as leaving someone too long in their bed could cause them to have bedsores. Although this is more a sign of neglect than outright physical abuse, it is still a major concern and could cause health issues down the road.
Check to see if your loved one is dehydrated. Dehydration is often a sign that someone is not getting enough fluids or even enough food. Look at things like their hair and skin and see if those features have deteriorated.
Another possible sign of abuse is if your loved one seems nervous or agitated. Although this could be symptomatic of a deteriorating mental state, the behavior could also be a symptom of someone who is being abused. Investigate and check out the space. If it’s unclean or unsanitary, that could cause extremely dangerous health issues for your loved one. Nursing home residents can get sick and even die because of dirty spaces.
What can someone who suspects nursing home abuse do?
If you suspect nursing home abuse in the facility where your loved one is living, you may benefit by working with lawyers with experience in this type of law. They may be able to help you with everything from investigating the home to getting the right type of medical checkup for your loved one.
