Nursing Home Abuse Signs

As a result of many unreported acts of nursing home abuse, it is hard to say how many people are victims of elder abuse, neglect, or exploitation. The National Elder Abuse Incidence Study suggest that more than 500,000 Americans aged 60 and over were victims of domestic abuse in 1996, not even accounting for abuse that occurred in nursing homes.

Nursing Home or Elder Abuse includes any knowing, intentional, or negligent act that causes harm or serious risk of harm. Nursing Home abuse may be physical, emotional, sexual, exploitative, or may consist of neglecting or abandoning. Victims usually suffer quietly, and it is up to their loved ones to be alert to the potential signs that elder abuse is occurring. Nursing Home Abuse signs can include:

- Bruises, cuts, open wounds, welts, breaks, burns, or skin discoloration or deterioration.

- Unusual withdrawal from normal activities, depression, changes in personality or behavior

- Bruising around breasts or genital area may indicate sexual elder abuse.

- Bedsores, unattended medical needs, poor hygiene, malnutrition, or sudden weight loss

- Tense relationships or frequent arguments with the caregiver can sometimes be signs of nursing home abuse.

If you or a loved one is the victim of nursing home abuse abuse, you should immediately seek help. First, contact the proper authorities to report the nursing home abuse. Then contact our service immediately to have an attorney who has experience working with nursing home abuse cases and should be able to provide you with the advice and legal guidance necessary.