The older and frailer an elderly person becomes, the more vulnerable they are. They are less able to stand up for themselves against both verbal and physical abuse. Furthermore, others can more easily take advantage of them as their sight and hearing begin to decline. Additionally, when an elderly person is a nursing home resident, they may also suffer abuse due to overworked, poorly trained, or unsuitable caretakers who sometimes become frustrated with the limitations of those entrusted to their care.
Because family members often dismiss signs of abuse, believing their loved one has developed dementia and simply isn’t making sense, abusive situations often persist without investigation. However, if you know what to look for, you may be able to intervene in a timely manner and keep your loved one from suffering any further harm.
Indications of Abuse
If you notice changes in your loved one’s personality or behavior, you should suspect the possibility of abuse. Rocking behavior, thumb-sucking, and mumbling are often signs of emotional abuse that resemble symptoms of dementia. You may notice visible signs of fear or tension when your loved one is interacting with a caretaker that is responsible for mental or physical abuse. Elderly victims rarely speak up about what is happening, as they fear further harm.
Physical Abuse
If you notice welts, scars, bruising, or marks indicating restraint, there is a good chance your loved one is being abused. Unexplained dislocations and sprains may also indicate physical abuse. Sexual abuse is another form of physical abuse and is marked by bruising around the breasts or genitals, unexplained genital infections and STD’s, as well as stained, bloody, or torn underwear.
Physical abuse also includes neglect of a resident’s basic needs to a point that constitutes abuse. Indications of neglect include dirty bed clothes or clothing, bedsores, dehydration, and unexplained weight loss. Small things like a caregiver who doesn’t seem comfortable leaving you and your loved one alone, or broken eyeglasses may also be subtle indications that your family member is being abused.
Contact a Lawyer in Rockford
If you know or even suspect that your loved one is suffering from nursing home abuse, you should reach out to American Law Firm right away. Our compassionate legal team has handled countless cases involving nursing home abuse and we understand how painful and stressful this type of situation is. Call and speak with one of our dedicated nursing home injury lawyers who have the knowledge and experience necessary to help you and your loved one.
