Identifying Signs of Nursing Home Abuse: Frequent Crying, Agitation, Withdrawal and Fear
The statistics are truly staggering. In 2010 alone, the number of elder and nursing home abuse cases was 5,961,568 as reported by the National Center on Elder Abuse, Bureau of Justice. And these are only the cases that were reported. Many elderly patients suffer silently, afraid or ashamed of revealing the abuse they endure daily. What is especially disturbing is that the number of abuse cases is rising. If you discover that your loved one is a victim of abuse, it is vital that you hire a Tampa nursing home abuse attorney. The following provides some emotional signs to look for.
Why Patients Often Do Not Reveal Abuse
For many elderly individuals, their health has diminished to an extent that they must have round-the clock-care. However, leaving behind their home and life can cause great trauma and may lead to depression and withdrawal. Some nursing home patients will try to convince their families of abuse that is not actually occurring with the hope of being brought home. However, a Tampa nursing home abuse lawyer can tell you that far more do not reveal abuse when it does occur.
Patients often are fearful of those who are entrusted with their care in facilities. There is good cause for this: neglect, threats, assault and even sexual abuse are all too common. An elderly resident is no physical match for a younger and stronger caregiver; add the element of threat and one can see why a loved one may not reveal abuse when it does happen. Indeed, as mentioned, the patient can feel shame.
Emotional Signs of Abuse
It is important to be proactive in keeping your loved one safe from abuse, but you may believe all is well when the reality is far different. While your loved one may not verbally articulate the abuse, she may reveal that there is a problem through emotional signs. Your Tampa nursing home abuse attorney will tell you that such signs may be due simply to missing home, but one should not assume this is the case.
When a patient cries, is agitated frequently or shows signs of emotional withdrawal, a serious issue may be the cause. Indeed, occasional crying or upset is common, especially for an elderly person who suffers ill health, but when such signs occur often you should take action to protect your loved one.
A Tampa Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer Can Help
If your loved one is in a nursing home and displays signs of abuse, you need to take steps to protect her. A Tampa nursing home abuse attorney may be able to help your loved one gain compensation for any damages resulting from abuse. Call Peter Giroux today to arrange a consultation at (727) 895-5399.