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Signs of nursing home abuse to look out for

On Behalf of | Sep 27, 2021 | Nursing Home Abuse

Nursing home abuse is an all-too-common problem for elderly people in New Jersey. According to the Department of Justice, 10% of elderly people suffer from some form of abuse every year. If you have an elderly relative in a nursing home, it’s important that you watch out for signs of abuse and neglect.

Different forms of nursing home abuse

Neglect is one of the most common forms of nursing home abuse. Neglect happens when a vulnerable person is not provided with the level of care that they need. In a nursing home setting, patients need help with all of their basic daily tasks. Patients who aren’t fed or bathed properly or who are left alone for too long are suffering from neglect.

Other forms of nursing home abuse could include physical abuse, sexual abuse, mental abuse, and financial abuse. When some of the physical and mental injuries from abuse are left untreated, the nursing home patient suffers even more.

Signs of nursing home abuse

When a patient is injured by nursing home abuse, it’s critical that the patient be protected from any further suffering. Some signs of nursing home abuse to look out for include:

• Bedsores
• A sudden drop in weight
• Behavioral changes
• Poor personal hygiene
• A messy room
• Dehydration and malnutrition
• Unexplained injuries
• A withdrawn attitude around staff

Nursing home abuse can have severe consequences as patients may be seriously injured. Bedsores that are left untreated may develop into infections, and prolonged dehydration can be fatal.

What to do if you suspect nursing home abuse

It’s important that you ask questions about potential nursing home abuse and report it to authorities. If you think that your loved one has been abused in a nursing home, you can tell law enforcement and elder abuse advocates. You might also consider filing a personal injury lawsuit against the nursing home.

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