Elderly Abuse in the Nursing Home: The Warning Signs

Many of us have grandparents/parents or other family members that reside in nursing homes. Nursing homes are a sanctuary where trained staff can look after the ones you love, giving you peace of mind in knowing that they are safe in the hands of professionals. We have busy lives and unfortunately can’t always be there for our family when they become elderly and begin to suffer from illness and ailments; therefore, nursing homes are an ideal place for them to live, most of the time. If you’ve observed something different in the way your loved one is acting, how they’re presenting, or what they’re saying and you are worried, read on for warning signs and what to do next. 

Physical Abuse

Physical abuse is mainly easy to spot, but may also be in areas hidden by clothing. If bruising is becoming regular and your family member isn’t prone to falls it may be something more serious. Elderly people are more prone to bruising but look out for things such as deep finger marks around the top of the arm as this can be a sign of them being handled far too roughly and is classed as elderly abuse. If your loved one has had a fall and the staff has informed you but your loved one is denying it, listen to them and question it - you can never be too careful in maintaining their safety. 

Psychological Abuse

Abuse is not always visible and isn’t just defined as physical. There are many ways an elderly person can be mentally abused including humiliation, threats, fear, or manipulation. This will be visible in the way your family member may act around all staff or a certain member. They may cower or become very vacant. They may also complain of being hungry, thirsty, or tired if the abuser is taking away any of their basic needs. Psychological abuse can cause depression and if you have any concerns you should seek help professional help.

Who Can Help Me?

If you believe a loved one is being mistreated in any way, including the two ways mentioned above, you need to talk to a professional whom you can trust and is experienced in the subject. A Los Angeles elder abuse lawyer such as Garcia Law could be what you’re looking for.  Most lawyers offer a free case consultation if you have any suspicions your loved one is a victim of elderly abuse.

The two forms of abuse listed above are certainly not exhaustive - an elderly abuse lawyer will be able to help you with any signs or symptoms you may have witnessed and fight to ensure your loved ones are safe. Finding the right professional to help you can mean getting the justice you and your family deserve, as well as ensuring nobody else suffers elderly abuse. 

Whether you have seen it first hand or have genuine concerns, elderly abuse is far too often a silent crime that needs to be reported. 

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