Warning Signs of Abuse in Nursing Home
The sad truth is that most elderly adults are abused in the place they have come to call home: their nursing homes. But by learning to recognize the warning signs of elder abuse in nursing homes, you can prevent the problem from happening in the first place. If you suspect that an elderly person is at risk of physical or emotional abuse in a nursing home, you should immediately call the authorities and a St. Petersburg nursing home abuse lawyer.
The Warning Signs of Physical Abuse
Physical abuse in nursing homes can range from relatively mild to very extreme. Abuse can include assault, battery, and rape. Additionally, any restraint not authorized by a doctor is also considered abuse.
If a resident’s family or anyone else notices any of the following warning signs of abuse in a nursing home, they are urged to immediately contact a St. Petersburg nursing home abuse lawyer.
Warning signs of physical abuse in nursing homes can include:
– Bruising or bleeding
– Open wounds, bed sores, or cuts
– Marks around the wrists or ankles
– Burns and abrasions
– Hair loss
– Poor hygiene
– Sudden change in weight or overall health condition
The Warning Signs of Emotional Abuse
Emotional abuse in nursing homes is generally more difficult to spot than physical abuse. However, effects can be much more devastating. Emotional abuse can consist of insults, humiliation, threats, and frightening of the residents.
Warning signs of emotional abuses can include:
– Listlessness or unresponsiveness
– Strange behaviors
– Physical or emotional withdrawal
– Disappearance of personal items
– Sudden and unusual financial transactions
– Depression, or an unwillingness to converse or socialize with others
If you notice any of these signs of physical or emotional abuse, it is imperative that you immediately notify the authorities. You are also urged to contact a St. Petersburg nursing home abuse lawyer to discuss your legal options.
Call Us
For more information about the signs of physical and/or emotional abuse in nursing homes or to schedule a complimentary consultation with a St. Petersburg nursing home abuse lawyer, call Peter Giroux at (727) 895-5399.