It’s always difficult to face the fact that someone we love may be in a situation where they’re being abused or neglected. Even more so, it can be heartbreaking to know that we can’t do anything to help. But even if you don’t have personal experience with nursing home abuse or neglect, there are certain signs that you should be aware of.
Contacting a nursing home neglect attorney service in Colorado will help you find out what’s happening in your loved one’s facility and start advocating for them.
In this article, we’ll discuss some of the most common signs of nursing home abuse and neglect, as well as what you should do if you notice them. Keep in mind that not all signs are indicative of abuse or neglect; however, if you see any of these signs, it’s important to take action.
Physical Breaks Or Bruises
In many nursing homes, residents are often kept in bed for long periods of time. The elderly may be unable to get up and move around on their own. If they do get up, they may have difficulty walking or balancing. This can lead to falls and bruises as they try to walk. When bruises are found on a resident, it is a sign that they have been physically restrained.
Signs Of Malnourishment
If a nursing home is not feeding the residents properly, it can cause weight loss and malnutrition. Although there may be a lack of food in the dining room, if the residents are not eating their meals, they may be too weak to eat them.
Resident’s Loss Of Appetite
The elderly often forget to eat because they are not hungry. If they are not well enough to eat, they may be malnourished. Residents may not say anything about this because they don’t want to be labeled as malnourished or weak. However, if the family members notice that their loved ones are losing weight and becoming less active, it is a sign that something is wrong.
Bed Restrictions And Restraints
Restricting the movement of a resident can cause physical injuries. In some cases, the restraints themselves can cause injuries as well. If you notice your loved one being restrained in bed at night or during the day, it is a sign that someone is abusing or neglecting them.
Signs Of Emotional Abuse
Nursing home residents may experience emotional abuse as well. This can include verbal attacks, ignoring the resident, and making them feel like they are not a part of the family. Nursing home residents may also be forced to perform tasks that are not in their best interest, such as getting up in the middle of the night to use the bathroom.
If you are concerned about your loved one and believe that they may be experiencing abuse or neglect at a Colorado nursing home, it is important to speak with an attorney. An attorney can help you investigate the situation and get your loved one out of the nursing home safely and quickly.
Word-Of-Mouth Complaints From The Residents
Sometimes you don’t need the signs and symptoms. You can actually hear from the residents themselves that something is wrong. If you have friends or family members who have recently moved into a nursing home, be sure to ask them about their experience. You may be able to get information about abuse and neglect that you would not have known otherwise.
Refusing To Provide Medications
In many nursing homes, residents are given medications by the nurses or aides. If the nurses or aides refuse to give the medications, it could be a sign of abuse because it is against the law for nursing homes to refuse medication to their residents.
Refusing To Provide Medical Treatment
If you notice that your loved one is not getting any medical treatment and does not seem healthy, it may be a sign that someone is abusing or neglecting them. Medical neglect includes refusing to provide medical care or refusing to take care of a wound or other medical problem.
In some cases, this type of abuse may include withholding food and fluids from a resident in an effort to make them stop complaining about their medical condition.
Depression
Nursing home residents may experience depression as a result of their conditions or the abuse they are experiencing. If a resident is exhibiting signs of depression, it is important to speak with an attorney. An attorney can help you get your loved one out of the nursing home and into a safe environment.
Change In Positive Outlook And Mindset
If a resident starts to stray away from a positive outlook and a renewed mindset, it may be a sign that they are experiencing abuse or neglect. If you notice this change in behavior, it is important to speak with an attorney. An attorney can help you get your loved one out of the nursing home and into a safe and healthy environment.
Anxiety
Anxiety is a feeling of worry, nervousness, or unease. It can be caused by a variety of things, including stress, fear, and anxiety disorders. Nursing home residents may experience anxiety as a result of their conditions or the abuse they are experiencing. If a resident is exhibiting signs of anxiety, it is important to speak with an attorney. An attorney can help you get your loved one out of the nursing home and into a safe environment.
In Colorado, it is against the law for nursing homes to abuse or neglect their residents. Although it is common for family members to not notice these signs of abuse and neglect, it is important that they do so in order to protect their loved ones and prevent future injuries.