Making the decision to place a loved one in a nursing home can be very tough. Nearly two million people live in nursing homes in the United States. While many of those facilities offer great care, others fail to do so. If you have a loved one in a nursing home, it’s beneficial to know what you should be paying attention to. It’s imperative to act if you suspect nursing home abuse or neglect.
- Unexplained Injuries – As people get older they tend to bruise more easily. However, unexplained bruising and injuries are the most common forms of nursing home abuse. Look out for unexplained or suspicious scratches, sores, and broken bones.
- Malnutrition – Be aware of your loved one’s meal schedule and the quality of their food. Pay attention to changes in weight and their overall health. Symptoms of malnutrition and dehydration include dry mouth, cracked lips, swollen tongue, and fatigue.
- Change in Mood or Behavior – If you know your loved one well, then it’s easy to notice changes in behavior. If they appear withdrawn, anxious, or agitated they may be living in an abusive or unsafe environment.
- Changes in Finances – According to the National Center of Elderly Abuse, financial exploitation accounts for about 13 percent of all elder abuse cases. Look out for large withdrawals, unpaid bills, missing property, or changes in will documents.
- Poor Hygiene – Overgrown fingernails, dirty clothes, unsafe living conditions, and unwashed hair and body are clear indications that your loved one is being neglected. Good hygiene is a basic requirement of proper elderly care.
If you have a loved one that lives in a nursing home and you suspect nursing home neglect or abuse is being committed, contact, The Cochran Firm New York today. We have a team of dedicated attorneys that will get your loved one the justice they deserve.