Seeing the Signs of Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect
If you are visiting your loved one in the nursing home or assisted-living center and you think you see signs of abuse or neglect, trust your instincts and investigate further. Ask staff members at the facility or consult an independent physician. If your loved one is seriously injured or killed, contact a lawyer.
At the McDougall LawFirm, our Beaufort nursing home abuse lawyers have been helping victims of elder abuse in South Carolina since 1996. If you have questions or concerns, please call us at 866-251-2034 or 843-379-7000, or contact us online.
What Should You Look For?
Nursing home and assisted-living residents are not always aware of what is happening to them. Other residents who know of the abuse may choose not to report the problem because they fear retaliation by staff. To ensure that your loved one receives the quality care and dignified treatment they deserve, you should watch for signs of possible abuse.
Possible signs of physical abuse may include:
- Cuts, scratches, burns or unexplained bleeding
- Overuse of restraints, or any use of restraints that are not authorized by a doctor
- Bruising or discoloration on the resident's body
- Sudden or unexpected death
Possible signs of neglect may include:
- Rapid weight loss could be due to malnutrition or dehydration
- Unkempt appearance, unchanged or dirty clothing, or lack of personal hygiene
- Bedsores could be caused by failure to rotate an immobile resident
- Frequent falls may mean your loved one is not getting the assistance needed to move around
- Failing to supervise patients with a high fall risk
Possible signs of mental or emotional abuse may include:
- Denial of obvious injuries or giving explanations that do not make sense
- Withdrawal or nonresponsiveness
- Fear, depression or anxiety
Possible signs of isolation may include:
- Resident restricted from using the telephone, receiving mail, or having visitors
- Resident not allowed to be left alone with visitors
- Resident not given adequate opportunity to speak and answer questions
Nursing home abuse or neglect can have serious consequences for residents. If you suspect something may be going on, seek legal help.
Contact a Hilton Head Nursing Home Negligence Attorney
If you are concerned that your loved one has suffered injuries of any type while staying at a nursing home or assisted-living facility, the experienced lawyers at the McDougall LawFirm are here to help. To schedule a free initial consultation, please call 866-251-2034 or 843-379-7000, or contact us online.
