Recognizing Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect
Physical Abuse
Physical abuse generally includes assault (beatings), sexual assault (rape),
food or water deprivation, and the inappropriate use of physical restraint,
although it is not limited to these examples. If you believe your loved one is
a victim of physical elder abuse, it is imperative that you contact the Harvey
Law Firm for a free consultation.
- Bruises, black eyes, lacerations, and welts
- Broken bones and fractures
- Bedsore or pressure sore
- Burns
- Cuts, open wounds, and wounds in various stages of healing
- Sprains, dislocations, and internal injuries
- Poor skin condition
- Dehydration or malnourishment
- Weight loss
- Broken eyeglasses
- Torn or blood-stained clothing or sheets
- Unexplained venereal disease
- Signs of restraint
- Strapped to bed or wheelchair
- Bed injuries from side rails such as strangulation,
suffocation or falls
- Sudden change in behavior
- Overdose or deprivation of medication
- Drooling or a blank stare
- Facility's refusal to allow visitors to see the resident
alone
Psychological and
Emotional Abuse
Psychological and emotional abuse typically includes threats, humiliation,
verbal assaults, isolation, denial of necessities, and any type of emotional
pain or suffering inflicted on a resident. If you believe your loved one is a
victim of psychological or emotional elder abuse, don’t wait – contact the
Harvey Law Firm for a free consultation.
The following are common indicators of psychological and emotional elder
abuse:
- Agitation or anger
- Withdrawal
- Depression
- Confusion
- Behavior associated with dementia, such as rocking,
biting, and sucking
Neglect
Neglect is any failure to fulfill duties regarding a resident. Nursing home
abuse and neglect generally includes the failure to provide necessary care, food,
water, shelter, medicine, clothing, and other necessities for daily living in
nursing homes. If you believe your loved one is a victim of nursing home abuse
or neglect, contact the Harvey Law Firm for a free consultation.
The following are common indicators of nursing home neglect:
- Dehydration or malnutrition
- Unexplained weight loss or gain
- Falls
- Skin tears
- Bedsores or pressure sores (which can range from a mild
pink coloration to a very deep wound extending to the bone)
- Gangrene
- Sepsis/infections
- Amputation
- Poor personal hygiene
- Untreated medical conditions
- Unsanitary living conditions
- Insect infestation
- Wanderings or elopements
- Unpleasant odors in the building
- Harmful living conditions
Financial Elder Abuse
Financial abuse is the theft or misuse of funds, property, or assets.
Examples of this include stealing a resident's money or possessions, forging
his signature, cashing his checks without authorization, and misusing
guardianship, conservatorship, or power of attorney. If you believe your loved
one is a victim of nursing home abuse or neglect, please contact the Harvey Law
Firm for a free consultation.
The following are common indicators of financial elder abuse:
- Changes in banking practice
- Unauthorized ATM withdrawals
- Addition of names to bank signature card
- Sudden changes in a will
- Disappearance of funds or possessions
- Unpaid bills despite adequate financial resources
Too many of our nation's elderly or disabled are receiving
substandard care and the Harvey Law Firm is committed to seeking justice for
you or your loved one. It is critical to understand that the terrible
consequences of neglect and abuse are not the natural results of the aging
process. These are entirely preventable incidents, and elder care facilities
and programs should be held responsible for their occurrence. Please call the
Harvey Law Firm at (505) 254-0000 or toll free at (877) 254-5254 for a free
consultation. Tell a Friend. If you know someone who needs our help, tell
them to call for a free consultation.
Practice Areas Main
Nursing Home Main
Six Steps for Choosing a Nursing Home for your Loved One
Nursing Home Resident's Bill of Rights
What to do if you suspect nursing home abuse
Useful Websites in Caring for the Elderly
