Nursing homes are supposed to treat their residents with the dignity and respect that they deserve. However, whether through negligent or intentional acts, staff members can hurt the patients under their care both physically and psychologically. While an attorney will help you seek justice, knowing the signs of nursing home abuse may protect a loved one from harm. 

What Are the Signs of Nursing Home Abuse?

1. Changes in Behavior

Seniors often have a difficult time adapting to life in a long-term care facility. While they may become depressed for a time, they’ll eventually become accustomed to their new surroundings.

However, if that doesn’t happen, reach out to them alone and discuss the reasons why they’re unhappy. They may be treated poorly. Sometimes, staff members can be verbally abusive and hostile to residents. 

If your loved one has suddenly become withdrawn, fearful, or depressed, it could be a sign of nursing home abuse. 

2. Consistent Disorientation

Many nursing homes are understaffed, so the personnel will take shortcuts. Unfortunately, this means that some staff members will give the residents sedatives. This minimizes the number of complaints while also making the residents more compliant. 

The sedatives will make them appear disoriented and sleepy. It’s worth investigating if you feel this is uncharacteristic behavior.

Unnecessarily sedating patients is not only illegal but also hazardous. Seniors are usually on several medications. The sedatives might have harmful interactions with these drugs, which can cause dangerous side effects or even death. 

If improper sedation occurs, an attorney will hold the staff or the entire institution accountable through a lawsuit. 

3. Sudden Hygiene Issues

Another unfortunate side effect of an understaffed facility is that residents may not receive the care they need. Your loved one may appear consistently unkempt, in stained clothing, or complain that they haven’t been bathed. 

Neglecting hygiene can have serious health repercussions. Many seniors have a weakened or compromised immune system. Ignoring hygiene allows germs and bacteria to propagate and cause sicknesses and infections. 

4. Frequent Injuries 

Head injuries, cuts, bruises, broken bones, and bedsores are common signs of nursing home neglect. When an injury occurs, the staff should notify the family and make a record of the event. In many cases, the injury is covered up. Seniors might not be receiving adequate supervision, or a staff member may have even assaulted them. 

Nursing home abuse is unacceptable in any form it takes. If you suspect an elderly loved one has been harmed, reach out to the attorneys at Salerno & Leavitt. They’re known throughout Omaha, NE, for the compassion they show to their clients and the dedication they have for seeking justice. For over 30 years, they have helped wronged parties receive damages for their pain and suffering while also holding the responsible individuals accountable. For more information on their practice areas, visit their website. To schedule a free case evaluation, call (402) 502-9002.