The U.S. Administration on Aging estimates that over one million aging Americans are being exploited or abused. Further aggravating the problem is that many cases of neglect and abuse in nursing homes go unreported by staff. Lastly, several government studies suggest that about 90 percent of nursing homes are understaffed to begin with. The sad truth about nursing homes is that a large number of them focus more on profit than on providing quality resident care.

Lowry and Associates, a personal injury law firm based in Maine that provides legal services to victims of nursing home abuse, offer the following tips on what to look for when choosing a nursing home for a loved one:

For more updates on Nursing Home legal matters, visit: www.NursingHomeLawyers.Info

Author: Sara Goldstein

Did you know that about 30% of nursing homes in the U.S. have been cited for abuse, yet they continue to operate? The real numbers on abuse are unknown, because most goes unreported. Nursing home neglect is a form of abuse, which often goes unnoticed, but can turn deadly. We entrust our loved ones to nursing homes believing they will be safe and well cared for. Learning to recognize the signs of abuse can save the life of someone you love.

What is abuse?

Nursing home abuse includes:

Neglect

Mental/emotional abuse

Sexual abuse

The signs can be difficult to spot because they are often hard to distinguish from the normal effects of aging, but careful vigilance is necessary to protect those we love.

Signs of Neglect

Weight loss, diminished appetite, becoming less active, and even falls and easy bruising are normal parts of aging, but neglect can accelerate all of these problems and lead to an early death. Signs of neglect include:

Malnutrition

Dehydration

Poor hygiene

Bed sores

Unexplained bruises and/or injuries

Signs of physical abuse

Unfortunately, physical abuse of nursing home residents is not uncommon. Victims are often afraid to complain about abuse, since they have been threatened with even worse reprisals, and some are incapable of voicing their concerns. Warning signs include:

Open wounds

Unexplained injuries

Withdrawal

Unusual behaviors such as sucking, biting or rocking

Signs of mental or emotional abuse

With no visible physical injuries, mental/emotional abuse can be more difficult to spot, but it is no less dangerous, and can make life a living hell for nursing home residents. Victims are often told and convinced that if they report this kind of abuse they will be putting themselves or their loved ones in danger. Sings include:

Erratic behavior

Confusion and dementia

Loss of appetite

Sudden, unexplained decline in health

Signs of sexual abuse

Though most of us find it hard to imagine, sexual abuse is a very real problem in nursing homes. The abuse is perpetrated either by the workers at the nursing home or other tenants. Victims are often unable or too ashamed to report sexual abuse. Signs to look out for include:

Unexplained genital infections

Unexplained genital or anal irritation or injury

Fear, anxiety, or combativeness when a specific staff member attempts to help with bathing, dressing, or toileting

While so many of these signs of neglect and abuse are difficult to read, process and imagine happening to our loved ones, we need to be ever-viligent and protect our elderly loved ones.  If you have noticed any of these signs, you need to take immediate action.  A nursing home lawyer can help ensure that your loved one is protected, their rights are protected and that damages are assessed as applicable.

Author: Sara Goldstein

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