About 54.1 million people in the United States are over the age of 65 in 2019. That number continues to go up each year as the population of older Americans grows.
Many people will struggle to watch a loved one suffer from abuse in any form. However, it’s especially heartbreaking to think about nursing home abuse, as many older adults already deal with health complications.
If you fear that someone you know has been abused in a nursing home, you should know the warning signs. Read on to learn more about how to spot nursing home abuse.
Unexplained Bruises, Cuts, or Welts
One of the top warning signs of nursing home abuse is unexplained bruises, cuts, or welts. These injuries can be caused by physical force, restraint, or neglect.
If you see any of these warning signs, it is important to contact a nursing home abuse lawyer right away. The lawyer can help you investigate the situation and determine if abuse is occurring.
Report the abuse to the authorities and make sure the victim receives medical attention. Do not allow the abuser to get away with this heinous crime.
Sudden Change in Behavior
One top warning sign of elder mistreatment is a sudden change in behavior. This can manifest in many different ways, but some common examples include becoming withdrawn or unresponsive, exhibiting sudden fear or anxiety, or displaying signs of depression.
If your loved one has suddenly begun exhibiting any of these behaviors, it is important to take notice and to ask questions about what might be causing them. It is possible that they are experiencing abuse at the hands of their caretakers, and it is important to get them help as soon as possible.
Isolation From Friends or Family
Another sign of nursing home neglect is isolation from friends or family.
This can happen in a number of ways, including the nursing home staff preventing visitors from seeing the resident, or the resident being physically or mentally unable to communicate with loved ones. If a loved one suddenly stops hearing from their family member or friend in a nursing home, it’s important to immediately reach out to the facility to check on the well-being of the resident.
Sudden Weight Loss
Sudden weight loss is another top warning sign of abuse in nursing homes. This can be a sign that the nursing home resident is not being properly fed or cared for.
If you notice that your loved one has lost a significant amount of weight, you should talk to the nursing home staff to find out what is going on. You should also keep a close eye on your loved ones to make sure that they are not being abused in any way.
Don’t Neglect These Signs of Nursing Home Abuse
If you have a loved one in a nursing home, it is important to be aware of the warning signs of abuse. These include unexplained bruises or injuries, sudden weight loss, changes in behavior, and more.
If you notice any of these, it is important to take action and report. Nursing home abuse is a serious problem, and it is important to do everything you can to protect your loved ones.
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