It is not easy to recognize abuse or neglect in nursing homes, but it is important for the safety and welfare of cherished ones. New York families place a lot of trust in nursing homes. Sadly, this trust is sometimes breached in ways that are as subtle as neglect or as blatant as abusive behavior.
Some signs should be red flags that indicate there is trouble brewing within the atmosphere of a nursing home. Here are five signs you may need to look out for when your loved one is in this facility. If you recognize these signs, a nursing home abuse lawyer can guide you through the complexities of these cases and offer support during a challenging time.
Unexplained Falls and Fractures
It is not uncommon for elderly individuals to experience the occasional fall due to decreased mobility. However, repeated falls should be suspect. In some instances, the increased frequency of falls is due to the absence or failure of safety features like proper lighting, bed height, and handrails.
Also, if nursing home staff are not observing residents’ needs, they can overlook significant changes in their health status that place them at risk of falling, such as effects of medication or new weaknesses.
Unexplained Injuries and Bruises
While it is not uncommon for an elderly person to get an occasional bruise due to thinner skin, frequent or unexplained bruises should be concerning. Be especially attentive to repetitive bruising on the legs, arms, or trunk of the body. These areas bruise less often in the course of day-to-day activities.
These signs may indicate staff handling caused injuries during bed-to-chair transfer or restraint misuse. These signs of physical abuse are not acceptable. It is the responsibility of the family members to ask why each injury occurred and follow up if the reasons are unacceptable or do not fit the pattern of injury.
Bedsores
Bedsores or pressure ulcers are more indicators of neglect. Bedsores form when individuals sit or lie in one position for long periods without repositioning, cutting off the blood supply and breaking down the skin. Bedridden residents and those who are immobile are at the most risk.
The fact that bedsores are present means the nursing home staff may not be turning residents as often as they should be. It also indicates that they are not helping residents with mobility and daily life activities.
Overlooked Appearance
If you notice your relative in persistently inappropriate attire for the season—too few layers in New York City’s harsh winters or too many layers in the hot summers—this may indicate inattentiveness on the staff’s end toward personal comfort.
Also, untidy clothing or appearance is not just a problem of sloppy appearance; it is an indicator that daily activities and personal hygiene might be receiving minimal attention.
These concerns are at the center of maintaining dignity and health. These findings will directly lead to inquiries about how closely nursing home staff observe residents’ personal care activities.
Financial Red Flag
It is advisable to closely monitor your loved one’s financial status. When funds start disappearing from an older resident’s account, or there are unexplained financial record changes, it could be an indication of financial exploitation—a form of abuse that is sometimes not noted.
It can manifest as a sudden failure to pay for necessities despite having sufficient funds previously or unexplained withdrawals and deductions that the resident cannot logically account for.
Soliciting an Attorney
If you feel that a loved one has suffered harm or is injured as a result of abuse or neglect at a nursing home, a personal injury action might be warranted. This could encompass not only medical malpractice but also negligent care as well as intentional injury. Working with an experienced attorney means you can confidently navigate complex legal cases. Selecting an attorney with extensive experience handling nursing home abuse cases is paramount.
