Signs of Nursing Home Abuse
Throughout New Jersey and Pennsylvania, Lance Brown & Associates, New Jersey nursing home abuse attorneys, stands up for the rights of nursing home residents to be free from abuse and neglect and to receive adequate care that respects their rights to dignity and quality of life. If you have a loved one in a New Jersey nursing home and suspect that your family member has been the victim of abuse, contact Lance Brown & Associates for immediate assistance.
How can you tell if your loved one has been subjected to nursing home abuse?
Some signs of abuse in a nursing home are obvious, while others may be more subtle. One problem is that symptoms of abuse or neglect are often quite similar to injuries and other symptoms which can come about from accidental falls and even normal symptoms of aging. It is important to watch out for these signs of nursing home abuse and neglect, and if you spot them, work to determine their cause so you know how best to deal with them.
Signs of nursing home neglect – Pressure ulcers, also known as bedsores, may be a clear indication of neglect in some New Jersey nursing home residents, but there may be other less obvious signs as well. Unexplained weight loss, confusion and disorientation can all be signs of malnutrition or dehydration, showing that the resident is not receiving appropriate care and attention.
Signs of physical abuse – Look for marks around the wrists or ankles, which may be signs of unauthorized restraints being used, or that the resident was physically grabbed and forcefully restrained. Obviously, any unexplained cuts, bruises or other marks may be signs of physical abuse, although these injuries may be explained away by nursing staff as outcomes from accidental falls. It is important to be able to talk to the resident away from staff. Even then, an abused resident may be afraid or hesitant to speak out about abuse.
Signs of emotional abuse – If the resident has become withdrawn, frightened or exhibits other mood or personality changes, this can be a sign that the person is being bullied, intimidated or otherwise emotionally abused. As with physical abuse, a victim of emotional abuse in a New Jersey nursing home is likely to be scared and afraid to speak out against the abuser, even in private.
Seek Experienced Representation with Your New Jersey Nursing Home Abuse Case
Lance Brown is a skilled and experienced trial attorney with the abilities necessary to hold nursing homes accountable for abuse and make them pay for the injuries and damage they have caused. In New Jersey and Pennsylvania, contact Lance Brown & Associates, New Jersey nursing home abuse attorneys, for sound advice and effective representation to prevent, stop and remedy nursing home abuse.
