Nursing Home Lawyer

Signs of Nursing Home abuse

If signs of nursing home abuse can be recognized early, action can be taken to relocate the victim to a more reputable care facility. The signs of abuse in a nursing home range in severity and noticeability. Ranging from occasional neglect of basic needs, to severe physical abuse.

The first signs to be seen are often physical, but there may also be signs detected in your loved one. Some common physical signs to watch out for are:

• Physical abuse warning signs
• Bedsores or pressure ulcers
• Broken and fractured bones
• Bruises, burns, and welts on the skin
• Cuts, lacerations, and skin tears
• Dehydration and malnutrition
• Fatigue, insomnia, or other sleep disorders
• Head and dental injuries
• Illness or infection
• Lack of personal hygiene
• Unexplained weight loss
• Other nursing home injuries

Types of Abuse in Nursing Homes

“Nursing home abuse” is not only limited to physical abuse that resulted in injury; it also includes sexual battery, emotional harm, and psychological abuse. Knowing what type of nursing home abuse your loved one is enduring is the first step to take before they can be helped.

Physical Abuse

When a nursing home staff member or members are aware of a resident being physically harmed, or they themselves are causing that harm; they are committing abuse. Physical abuse includes, pushing, kicking, hitting, and anything that causes physical pain or injury to the resident. 

Emotional Abuse

This includes any kind of action that degrades or harms a residents psychological state. Examples of include, yelling, verbally degrading, taunting, or insulting a resident in a way that is intended to be hurtful. Isolation from friends and family also constitutes emotional abuse.

While it may not leave physical marks, it can be just as harmful. Nursing home residents that suffer from emotional abuse may experience anxiety and depression.

Neglect

When a resident is left unattended for periods of time longer than what is deemed necessary for their care program, they are being neglected. Neglect can lead to physical harm, such as malnutrition, bedsores, and increases the risk of being left for an extended period of time after being injured in a fall.

Sexual Abuse

Those who live in nursing homes can also suffer from sexual abuse. This type of abuse includes any form of unwanted touching and sexual activity.

If you believe your loved one is being abused while they reside in a New Jersey nursing home, consider contacting a nursing home lawyer for legal assistance. Cohen and Cohen Attorneys specialize in this area of law and are familiar with state-specific laws pertaining to assisted living facilities.