Signs of Nursing Home Abuse

Nursing home abuse happens every day in California.  Nursing home residents are often the victims of horrible elderly abuse because they have physical or mental restrictions that leave them unable to communicate what is going on.  The first step in preventing nursing home abuse is to recognize the signs.  Nursing home abuse can be mental, physical, or simple negligence.  Regardless of the form, nursing home abuse should be reported and if you see any of the signs they should be immediately investigated.  
Signs of nursing abuse that should be immediately investigated include:

• Unexplained bruises, cuts, burns, sprains, or fractures
• Bedsores
• Unexplained venereal disease or genital infections; vaginal or anal bleeding; torn, stained, or bloody underclothing
• Dehydration
• Loss of weight or appetite
• Any sudden behavioral change
• Staff not allowing resident to be alone with visitor or refusing to allow visitors to see resident
• Specific complaints by residents
• Loss of resident's possessions
• Sudden changes in bank accounts, will, or other financial documents

Mental Abuse

• Depression
• Agitation
• Unusual behavior patterns
• Confusion
• Not willing to communicate
• Derogatory, humiliating comments by staff

Physical Abuse

• Bruises, welts, swelling
• Broken bones
• Sudden loss of weight
• Wounds, cuts, burns
• Hidden injuries

Neglect and Abuse

• Bed sores (decubitus ulcers)
• Malnutrition
• Unsanitary environment
• Poor personal hygiene
• Fecal or urine odor
• Lack of assistance with eating and drinking
• Missing money or property
• Sudden changes in personal and financial affairs

If any of these warning signs of abuse or neglect exist with your loved one please contact me, Attorney Joel Bryant, today.  I offer a no-charge consultation and accept injury cases on contingency, meaning my fees are paid only from the money I recover by settlement or in court, otherwise, there is no fee.  Please call me today at (619) 239-7900 for your no-charge consultation.