Elder Abuse Lawyers presents the following article that highlights some of the signs to look for if you believe that a loved one is possibly being abused in their nursing home care, or in someone’s care.  Elder abuse is a shocking crime, and all too many of our elderly suffer at the hands of caretakers.  Be sure to look for these signs to stop the abuse or neglect, and contact an elder abuse lawyer immediately for legal support and advice. 

Did you know that about 30% of nursing homes in the U.S. have been cited for abuse, yet they continue to operate? The real numbers on abuse are unknown, because most goes unreported. Nursing home neglect is a form of abuse, which often goes unnoticed, but can turn deadly. We entrust our loved ones to nursing homes believing they will be safe and well cared for. Learning to recognize the signs of abuse can save the life of someone you love.

What is abuse?

Nursing home abuse includes:

Neglect

Physical abuse

Mental/emotional abuse

Sexual abuse

The signs can be difficult to spot because they are often hard to distinguish from the normal effects of aging, but careful vigilance is necessary to protect those we love.

Signs of Neglect

Weight loss, diminished appetite, becoming less active, and even falls and easy bruising are normal parts of aging, but neglect can accelerate all of these problems and lead to an early death. Signs of neglect include:

Malnutrition

Dehydration

Weight loss

Clothes becoming too large

Dirty bedding

Dirty clothes

Poor hygiene

Bed sores

Infections

Sunburn

Unexplained bruises and/or injuries

Signs of physical abuse

Unfortunately, physical abuse of nursing home residents is not uncommon. Victims are often afraid to complain about abuse, since they have been threatened with even worse reprisals, and some are incapable of voicing their concerns. Warning signs include:

Open wounds

Bruises

Bruises or abrasions caused by restraints

Unreasonable sedation

Unexplained injuries

Withdrawal

Confusion and dementia

Sudden rude behavior toward family members and friends

Unusual behaviors such as sucking, biting or rocking

Signs of mental or emotional abuse

With no visible physical injuries, mental/emotional abuse can be more difficult to spot, but it is no less dangerous, and can make life a living hell for nursing home residents. Victims are often told and convinced that if they report this kind of abuse they will be putting themselves or their loved ones in danger. Sings include:

Erratic behavior

Irrational fear

Agitation

Depression

Withdrawal

Confusion and dementia

Loss of appetite

Refusal to socialize or participate in activities

Unexplained enforced isolation

Refusal to respond or communicate

Sudden rude behavior toward family members and friends

Unusual behaviors such as sucking, biting or rocking

Sudden, unexplained decline in health

Signs of sexual abuse

Though most of us find it hard to imagine, sexual abuse is a very real problem in nursing homes. The abuse is perpetrated either by the workers at the nursing home or other tenants. Victims are often unable or too ashamed to report sexual abuse. Signs to look out for include:

Unexplained genital infections

Unexplained genital or anal irritation or injury

Unexplained difficulty walking or sitting

Bruises and/or thumbprints around the breasts, buttocks, inner thighs, or genital area

Rope burns on wrists or ankles

Torn, stained, or bloody underclothing

Stained or bloody sheets

Fear, anxiety, or combativeness when a specific staff member attempts to help with bathing, dressing, or toileting

Author: Sara Goldstein

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sara_Goldstein

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