Warning Signs of Nursing Home Abuse

If you are responsible for administering care to a loved one who is growing older and increasingly dependent on the assistance of others, you may consider placing him or her in a nursing home. While assisted living facilities are a popular solution for many, you should be careful about the establishment that you choose. Sadly, many nursing homes are understaffed or fail to adequately train their staff members, resulting in gross negligence and mistreatment.

Warning Signs of Abuse

When searching for the nursing home that best suits your needs, you should be conscientious of the warning signs of abuse. While reading reviews online, visiting the establishment, and speaking with current residents can help you get a feel for the place, be on the look out for:

• Bed sores--Caused by lack of movement; lying in bed for too long without exercise


• Bruises or other wounds--Potentially a result of inadequate assistance; infected wounds should especially be cause for concern


• Weight loss--A classic warning sign of depression or neglect


• Unsanitary or unclean conditions--May be an indication that the facility is understaffed, and that their patients are not receiving the care they deserve


• Verbal abuse--Insults, harsh demands, or degrading comments should not be tolerated


• Malnutrition--An indication that patients are not being fed well or properly looked after; may result in weight loss or other medical conditions


• Excessive medications--Sometimes staff members over-medicate their patients to make work easier

If you have noticed one or more of the above warning signs of abuse, speak with your loved one in-depth about the care they are receiving. If you suspect abuse or neglect, you may have grounds to file a personal injury lawsuit.