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.

Our firm is well prepared to represent clients in need of a trusted nursing home abuse lawyer in South Carolina. At Poliakoff & Associates, P.A., we are well equipped to address abuse cases of a loved one in a nursing home with consideration, and attention to your specific needs.

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:

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

What are non-physical forms of abuse in nursing homes?

Not only limited to physical abuse that resulted in injury; nursing home abuse may also include 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.

What are common signs of physical abuse in a nursing home?

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. 

What are common signs of emotional abuse in a nursing home?

This includes any kind of action that degrades or harms a resident’s psychological state. Examples of abuse 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.

Does neglect of a nursing home resident constitute abuse?

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.

Is sexual abuse a common form of abuse seen in nursing homes?

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 feel that a loved one has been injured as a result of abuse while a nursing home, we encourage you to contact our firm, Poliakoff & Associates, P.A., to schedule a free initial consultation.