Making the decision to put your loved in a nursing home is difficult. The last thing you want to realize is that your loved one is being abused or neglected. Physical abuse and neglect can sometimes be easy to see. It’s other types of abuse and neglect that can occur without causing any physical signs.
Other types of nursing home abuse and neglect include verbal, sexual and mental abuse and involuntary seclusion and corporal punishment. Examples of abuse and neglect include:
— Lack of care for medical problems the resident already has
— Unreasonable seclusion or use of physical restraints
— Use of chemical or physical restraint not authorized by a physician
— Assault, including kicking, pinching, shaking, slapping, pushing and beating
— Threats and other emotional or verbal abuse
Symptoms of physical and/or verbal abuse and neglect include:
— Bedsores
— Withdrawn or emotionally agitated
— Dehydration
— Rapid weight loss or other signs of malnutrition
– Unexplained injuries or death of resident
— Unusual changes in behavior, such as biting, sucking or rocking
— Unclean or unsanitary conditions
— Infections
— Fractures or head injuries
— Instances of wandering
— Heavy sedation
— Illnesses or injuries are not immediately reported to the family or physician
At Lamkin, Van Eman, Trimble & Dougherty, LLC, we fight for those who have been victims of nursing home abuse and neglect. If you believe your loved one has been such a victim, you should report the abuse or neglect to the nursing home administrator, the ombudsman and the police. We can help you fight for your loved one’s rights and seek compensation for his or her damages.