Signs of Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect
St. Louis Nursing Home Abuse & Neglect Lawyer
There are specific signs you can watch out for if you have an elderly loved one at a nursing home or assisted living facility. Keeping a close eye on your loved one can help you catch any early warning signs of abuse or neglect, enabling you to take immediate action and stop this mistreatment from continuing to occur. If you are careful, you may be able to accurately spot signs of physical abuse, financial abuse, sexual abuse, medical negligence, neglect and malnutrition.
Once you have spotted what you believe is a sign of nursing home abuse or neglect, we recommend that you contact the local authorities as soon as possible, ensuing your loved one comes to no additional harm. We also recommend that you talk to an attorney about your concerns. A St. Louis nursing home abuse lawyer will have the legal knowledge to understand how to address the matter and the resources to take action in seeking justice against the responsible facility or caregiver.
Signs to Watch For: Nursing Home Abuse and Negligence
Frequent visits, visiting without advance notice and keeping in close contact with your elderly loved one are all ways you can watch out for signs of negligence or abuse in a St. Louis nursing home. Some signs to watch for include:
- Torn or damaged clothing
- Unexplained bruises or other injuries
- Dramatic changes in your loved one's attitude or demeanor
- Depression or withdrawal
- Fear of a particular caregiver
- Sexually transmitted diseases
- Frequent injuries or illness
- Dramatic weight loss
- Restraints when these seem unnecessary
- Bed sores
- Poor personal hygiene
- Unclean living conditions
- Heavy medication or sedation
If the nursing home will not allow you to be alone with your loved one or will not allow visits, these are also potential signs that something is going on behind the scenes. Don't be afraid to press for information, involve law enforcement or work with a lawyer - before it's too late.
Contact a St. Louis nursing home negligence attorney at our law firm if you have observed signs of abuse or neglect. |