Nursing Home Abuse Warning Signs

Are you worried that your loved one is being abused in a nursing home? Nursing home abuse is a common worry for families. In the event that your loved ones are living in nursing homes, there are certain abuse warning signs to watch for:

• Medical and physical changes
• Money problems
• Mood changes
• Strained relationships

Medical and Physical Changes

In general, physical changes are often an obvious tip-off of abuse. It is important to realize that if your loved one has any physical changes, they are likely suffering from abuse injuries. With this in mind, physical changes that could indicate abuse include:

• Bruises
• Pressure marks and bed sores
• Broken Bones
• Abrasions
• Burns
• Unmet Medical Needs

Financial Distress

As a result of financial abuse, the victim can suffer sudden changes in their finances. Using captive nursing home residents as a personal bank account is a serious and widespread issue. Elder financial abuse can take many forms. If someone else opening your loved ones mail or cashing their checks, you should immediately contact a lawyer. Additionally, financial abuse can occur when a loved one trusts a health care provider with personal financial information. When armed with bank account information and social security numbers, abusers can cause lots of damage. Common instances of financial abuse include:

• Forging signatures
• Stealing money
• Lying about how money and possessions are being used
• Forcing a resident to sign documents
• Improper use of guardianship, power of attorney

Behavioral Changes

Pay close attention to what your family member says and how they act. If conversations are tense and threatening, your loved one may be suffering from abuse. Threats and aggressive behavior are also common side effects of neglect. With this in mind, be alert and attentive to your loved one, and watch for subtle changes in behavior. Many victims of elder abuse will suffer in silence, and this withdrawal from daily activities can be a red flag.

Strained Relationships

Victims of abuse might have difficulty in their relationships. Examples of strained relationships include:

• Frequent Arguments
• Withdrawal From Friends
• Belittling
• Threats
• Ignoring Social Settings

If you suspect that a loved one is being abused in a nursing home, call a Philadelphia nursing home abuse lawyer. While you may watch for nursing home abuse warning signs, only Lopez McHugh LLP can put a stop to the abuse for good. Let our team of nursing home abuse attorneys help. Call us today for a free consultation.