If you have a loved one that has been placed in a nursing home or into an assisted living facility, the likelihood that you have thought about their wellbeing is very high. Your concern is not misplaced. Nursing home abuse happens more often than you think, whether it is intentional or not. Even if you do your research and opt for the highest rated facilities in Connecticut, there will always be concerns in the back of your mind.
Even if there was nursing home abuse occurring, would you know it? Signs of abuse may be subtle, but some are clearly apparent. Knowing what to look for is important in identifying abuse as soon as it occurs.
According to estimates from the National Council on Aging, one in ten Americans aged 60 and above have experienced elder abuse. Only one abuse incident out of every 24 is reported to the police. All of us hope that a loved one in a nursing home will be given the respect and compassion they deserve, along with the essential medical care. Sometimes, that doesn't always happen.
Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law can assist you in holding CT nursing home abusers accountable for their actions. Our lawyers are available to help. Call us today for assistance.
Indicators That Your Loved One Is Suffering Nursing Home Abuse
Physical Abuse
Neglect and elder abuse are more common in nursing homes with a shortage of staff. If your loved one is experiencing pain, bad odors, bruises, or weight loss, these could be signs of abuse in a nursing home or assisted living facility. These signs may point to a fall or suggest that the patient wasn't receiving adequate care. A resident may be being abused or neglected if they are losing noticeable weight from starvation or experience dehydration-related renal or urinary tract infections.
There are various types of physical abuse. Physical abuse is alleged in nearly 30% of all nursing home abuse claims. Extreme and subtle indications are both possible, including:
- Cuts, abrasions, and broken bones without explanation
- Welts or bruising
- Restrainment marks on arms and legs
- Personal items damaged (i.e. eyeglasses)
- Caregiver won't leave you and your loved one alone
Emotional Abuse
A victim of emotional abuse will typically exhibit major behavioral changes as a result. Signs and symptoms of emotional abuse consist of:
- Dementia-like behaviors: Thumb sucking, mumbling, or rocking
- Inability to converse with a caregiver
- Caregiver acting in a demeaning or threatening manner
- Victim lashing out
Sexual Abuse
Sadly, elderly people living in nursing home or assisted living facilities in CT are vulnerable to sexual assault, particularly if they have dementia, Alzheimer's disease, or another condition that makes it difficult for them to provide their consent. As with any elder abuse, the abuser may be a resident of the nursing facility. Still, the nursing home owes each resident a duty of care and must guarantee their safety.
If you observe your loved one having panic attacks, trouble sitting or standing, and any pelvic injuries, these should draw some concerns. Sexual abuse can be spotted if you look for some of these signs:
- Genital infections and STDs
- Breast or genital bruises
- Anal or vaginal bleeding, unrelated to a medical condition
- Discolored or torn underwear
- Blood on the underwear
- Inappropriate sexual materials
Financial Abuse
Financial abuse includes things like stealing from a senior's room, putting pressure on them to change their will, duping them into signing a financial contract, and identity theft. If you notice any unusual financial activity, fluctuating bank accounts, or new invoices or collections, speak with the nursing home administration immediately. Due to an elderly person's mental state, a co-worker or even a close relative or friend may embezzle money from them.
Elderly people are frequently the focus of financial abuse. In light of this, you should be alert to any attempts to coerce your loved one into signing documents they do not understand or giving away their possessions.
Look out for:
- Unexpected withdrawals from their bank account
- Missing money
- Unusual purchases
- Changes to power of attorney, will, or financial documents
- Signatures on documents that are forged
- Adding signers to credit card and bank accounts
It is best to have all financial actions or activities reviewed to make sure everything is correct and there are no indications of financial abuse.
If You Think Your Loved One Has Been Abused at a Nursing Home, Contact Us For Legal Help
The team at Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law is dedicated to helping senior clients who have experienced abuse get the justice they deserve. Our team of CT attorneys specializes in nursing home abuse and has experience representing clients in a variety of nursing home abuse cases.
Call to schedule an appointment today. Together, we will go over the details of your case and discuss your options.