Recognize the Signs of Nursing Home Abuse

 Posted on September 07, 2023 in Car Accidents

Over 1.3 million people currently reside in nursing homes throughout the U.S., according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC). With America's aging "baby boomer" population, this number will only grow. Sadly, an increased nursing home population equates to increased nursing home abuse and neglect. If you suspect someone you love is a victim, contact an experienced Chicago home abuse attorney as soon as possible.

Family members and friends must understand the warning signs of nursing home abuse and neglect to protect their relatives and those they love. As nursing home employees are frequently the perpetrators of this abuse, the responsibility of recognizing and reporting the incidents of abuse and neglect typically falls on family members or friends. 

Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect: A Common Problem

Unfortunately, the problem of nursing home abuse and neglect might be more common than most people think. Studies used by the National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA) reveal that 10 percent of all nursing home residents have experienced some form of abuse in the last year. To make matters even more concerning, this information, along with other studies examined by the NCEA, indicates that only a small portion of nursing home abuse incidents are ever reported.

Nursing home residents may experience many types of abuse or injury, including:

• Physical abuse

• Sexual abuse

• Emotional abuse

• Neglect or abandonment

• Financial exploitation

• Healthcare fraud

Signs to Be Aware Of

Suppose you have a family member or a friend who resides in a long-term care or assisted living facility. In that case, you should be aware of and on the lookout for the following common signs of abuse and neglect. However, the warning signs can vary from one person to the next and from one situation to the next. Warning signs may not be typical or what you would expect for a particular situation. Both the Administration on Aging (AOA) and the National Institute on Aging advise looking for the following changes that may indicate abuse or injury.

Signs of Physical, Emotional, or Sexual Abuse

• New injuries or physical conditions with no adequate explanation like broken bones, sprained joints, and bruises or burns

• Sudden changes in behavior

• Withdrawal from social situations and activities

• A caregiver who refuses to allow family or friends access to see or talk to the individual

• A caregiver who is uncaring, demeaning, or aggressive

• A new diagnosis of an unexplained sexually transmitted disease

• Bruising, swelling, or other signs of trauma around the genitals

Signs of Neglect

• A lack of personal hygiene

• An unexpectedly dirty living space

• Frequently soiled clothing or bedding

• Bedsores or ulcers

Signs of Financial Exploitation or Healthcare Fraud

• The inability to explain personal financial transactions

• Giving excessive and unexpected gifts to non-family members

• Unexpected or seemingly unnecessary medical treatments or equipment

• Billing insurers or medical providers for health care services that were never provided

Contact Winters Salzetta O'Brien & Richardson, LLC for a Free Consultation With an Experienced Illinois Nursing Home Abuse Attorney

If you notice any of these signs or just have a gut feeling that something is not right with a nursing home resident, the time to act is now. We offer free case consultations with our skilled Chicago nursing home abuse lawyers to victims and their families. Contact Winters Salzetta O'Brien & Richardson, LLC online or by phone at 312-236-6324 today.