As the Baby Boomer generation continues to age, more and more people are requiring the around-the-clock care afforded by a nursing home. Physical disabilities, as well as cognitive disabilities such as Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, make it hard for many elderly individuals to do the daily tasks of living. Family members who place their relatives in the hands of a nursing home expect that he or she will be treated fairly, kindly, and consistently. Tragically, this is not always the case. Read on to learn signs that your loved one is being mistreated by nursing home staff.

Be on the Lookout for These Signs of Neglect

One of the saddest things about nursing home abuse and neglect is that many of the victims are not able to communicate how they have been wronged. In cases where a nursing home resident cannot advocate for himself or herself, it is up to family members and friends to watch for signs of bad care. Warning signs that your loved one is not being properly cared for in a nursing home include:

• Noticeable emotional changes: If you have a loved one in a nursing home facility, make note of any major changes in their behavior. If the person is suddenly unable to function at the level he or she used to, this can be a sign of neglect. Depressed mood, refusing to participate in activities, and becoming withdrawn and uncommunicative are also signs that something is not right. Residents experiencing emotional abuse often become more easily agitated, withdrawn, scared, or hostile. Inexplicable weight loss and disrupted sleep can also be signs of neglect.
• Staff who are unwilling to answer your questions: Sadly, not everyone who works in a nursing home is in the job for the right reasons. When staff are dismissive of your questions and concerns, act like they are hiding something, or tell you not to worry about things which should raise concerns, this can be a sign they are neglecting residents.
• Poorly-trained or inattentive staff: Nursing home staffers should respond quickly when a call light is activated and should not allow phone calls to go unanswered. The residents’ health and safety should be the number one concern for nursing home staff members. Staff who are flippant, rude, or hostile may be red flags that the nursing home does not value its residents the way they should.
• Unexplained physical symptoms: It is horrible to consider that some people would intentionally hurt the most vulnerable members of our society. However, nursing home abuse does happen. If your loved one has unexplained bruises, scratches, bed sores, or is dehydrated or malnourished, it is possible staff members are abusing him or her.

Contact a Skilled Attorney

If you suspect your loved one is being mistreated by nursing home mistreatment, do not hesitate to seek help. Contact an experienced Wheaton nursing home abuse attorney and get the guidance you need. To schedule your cost-free initial consultation at Walsh, Knippen & Cetina, Chartered call 630-462-1980 today.

Sources:

https://www.carepathways.com/articles/signs-of-elderly-neglect-or-abuse-in-nursing-home.cfm

https://health.usnews.com/health-news/best-nursing-homes/articles/2013/02/26/9-warning-signs-of-bad-care