Warning Signs of Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect: What You Need to Know
When family members place a loved one in the care of a nursing home facility, most are shocked to learn that the nurses charged with the care of the elderly are actually involved in abusive or neglectful conduct, causing significant confusion and pain for the patient. Often, nursing home abuse goes unnoticed, as patients are unable to speak for themselves or alert a family member as to the true situation. If you or a loved one is involved in an abusive nursing home situation, a St. Petersburg nursing home abuse lawyer can help you sort through the sensitive issues involved in unraveling this type of heinous exploitation of elderly long-term care patients.
Tell-Tale Signs of Nursing Home Abuse
Even in scenarios whereby a patient is unable to verbalize the abuse treatment they are receiving, a St. Petersburg nursing home abuse attorney can tell you that there are often predictable symptoms and clues alerting family and visitors as to the possibility of abuse conduct. These signs could include any of the following:
- Unexplained dehydration
- Bruises
- Head injuries
- Cuts
- Broken bones
- Malnutrition
- Bed sores
- Neglect of basic needs
Family members may also notice a sudden and rapid decline in the patient’s health—often unattributed to the onset of an underlying condition. Patients may appear fine one week and are suddenly malnourished and losing weight the next. If you suspect this type of situation, the first step is to move the patient to a safer environment. From there, speak to police about the situation and immediately contact a St. Petersburg nursing home abuse lawyer to discuss your loved ones’ rights.
Death Due to Nursing Home Abuse
Sadly, many cases of abuse continue for weeks or months until the inevitable death of the patient. If a patient is killed due to the abuse or neglect of nursing home staff, surviving family members may be able to file a wrongful death suit on behalf of the loved one who was mistreated at the hands of the care facility. A St. Petersburg nursing home abuse attorney can help you determine if your family is eligible for this sort of compensation.
Contact a St. Petersburg Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer Right Away
If you suspect abuse, act quickly. Contact St. Petersburg nursing home abuse lawyer Peter Giroux at 727-895-5399 right away.