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Common Warning Signs of Nursing Home Abuse

Posted on March 20, 2020 in

When you place your elderly loved one in a nursing home, you’re trusting that the staff will provide the quality care your loved one deserves. While this high standard of care is often met, nursing home abuse remains rampant throughout Arizona. Therefore, it’s crucial that you be on the lookout for common warning signs of nursing home abuse and neglect anytime you visit your loved one.

Warning Signs of Physical Abuse at a Nursing Home

Physical abuse is typically the easiest to identify since there is often a visible sign of abuse. Common warning signs may include:

  • Bruises or cuts
  • Unexplained injuries
  • Broken bones
  • Being easily startled or acting fearful when being touched
  • Signs of excessive restraint, such as rope marks on your loved one’s body

Warning Signs of Emotional Abuse

elderly women experiencing nursing home abuseEmotional abuse can be more difficult to detect since there is often no physical symptoms. This form of abuse is typically very subtle, which allows it to persist over a longer period of time. Often, it will result in gradual changes in the behavior of your loved one. Common warning signs include:

  • Changes in behavior
  • Agitated emotional state
  • Increased levels of anxiety
  • Withdrawal from social interactions and activities
  • Depression
  • Decreased self-confidence
  • Exhibition of repetitive behaviors such as mumbling or rocking back and forth
  • Lost interest in hobbies and other commonly performed activities

Warning Signs of Neglect

Your loved one doesn’t have to be the victim of abuse to be receiving subpar care. Many nursing home residents are the victim of neglect, which can have equally devastating consequences. Common warning signs of nursing home neglect include:

  • Bed sores
  • Chronic dehydration
  • Deteriorating personal hygiene
  • Being left in soiled clothes for an extended period of time
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Failure to properly administer medication
  • Wandering off (this can indicate a lack of proper supervision)
  • Dirty living conditions

The Jensen Phelan Law Firm Can Help

If you suspect your loved one has been the victim of nursing home abuse or neglect, the attorneys at the Jensen Phelan Law Firm can help. Our first priority is to assist you in removing your loved one from the abusive or neglectful situation. Once your loved one is safe, we will fight aggressively to hold the nursing home accountable for their actions.

Please contact the Jensen Phelan Law Firm using the form on this page or call 928-778-2660 today to schedule a complimentary consultation. We serve clients in Prescott, Cottonwood and throughout Northern Arizona.