Recognizing Nursing Home Abuse
Unfortunately, nursing home abuse is not an uncommon phenomenon. Approximately 30% of all nursing homes across the country have been cited for neglect or abuse. On top of this number, there is reason to believe that a number of other homes have abused their patients – it just has never been reported.
Sometimes, victims of abuse or neglect will be too frightened or physically unable to report to you, or to anyone else, how poorly they are being treated. Therefore, it is important for you to familiarize yourself with and watch out for the following signs of maltreatment:
- Unexplained injuries (bruises, cuts, burns)
- Unreasonable restraint or sedation
- Symptoms of malnourishment
- Witnessing another patient being mistreated
- Unsanitary conditions in the nursing home
- Lack of hygiene
- Unusual change in behavior
- Exhibiting sucking, rocking, biting, or other infantile behaviors
- Desire to be alone, acting withdrawn, not wanting to talk
- Acting aggressively toward other people
No matter how much time and research you put into picking out the right nursing home for your loved one, the institution you select may still contain abusive employees. It is important for you to speak with your family member regularly and check for these signs of neglect and maltreatment.
Contact Us
If someone you love has been a victim of nursing home neglect or abuse, then you have the right to claim compensation from the party at fault. The New Jersey nursing home abuse attorneys of Levinson Axelrod can help you take assertive and effective legal action. To learn more, contact our offices today at 800-346-5529.
