How to Recognize and Address Depression or Fear in Nursing Homes: Advice from a Hillsborough County Attorney
After placing your loved one in a nursing home, you must be his or her advocate. Part of being an advocate involves monitoring any changes in physical or mental condition or behavior. For all nursing home concerns, a Hillsborough County nursing home attorney can provide you with more information.
A Hillsborough County Nursing Home Attorney Explains Changes in Behavior to Look For
It is to be expected that some time for adjustment must be allowed for as your loved one transitions into nursing home life; however, once the resident is settled, a Hillsborough County nursing home lawyer understands that it is important to look for:
- A sudden disinterest in things or people that once interested the resident
- A sudden change in the resident’s level of alertness
- A sudden increase in the resident’s level of agitation
- A sudden increase in the resident’s level of depression
- Atypically withdrawn
- Suddenly fearful, particularly if it is apparent that the resident’s fear is caused by the presence of one individual
A Hillsborough County Nursing Home Attorney Offers Possible Explanations
As people age, it is not unusual to suffer a variety of afflictions. Depression is very common in the elderly, perhaps more so for residents of nursing homes. Unfortunately, as an experienced Hillsborough County nursing home lawyer explains, many nursing home staffs are ill-equipped to diagnose depression, and therefore it goes untreated. Sadly, there are other more sinister explanations.
A Hillsborough County Nursing Home Attorney Explains That Changes in Behavior May Be Signs of Abuse
Emotional or physical abuse is far too prevalent in nursing homes and can exact a great toll on an elderly nursing home resident. For whatever reason the abuse occurs, a Hillsborough County nursing home attorney reports that many residents do not reveal the abuse to family or friends, perhaps fearful of retaliation or not being believed. You must be your loved one’s advocate.
Contact a Hillsborough County Nursing Home Lawyer for Legal Advice
Visit often, at different times, be vigilant and look for the signs. If you have any reason to be suspicious of the care your loved one is receiving, call Hillsborough County nursing home attorney Peter Giroux at 727-895-5399.