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NURSING HOME ABUSE & NEGLECT

Whether you knew the time was coming or it was done out of an urgent need, placing your loved one in a nursing home is always difficult. You know your loved one deserves the best care and provision, but does a nursing home and its staff share that belief? Below are ten warning signs of abuse or neglect in a nursing home setting, all of which all family members should be aware of. If you notice any of these signs, it is time to investigate further and contact an experienced Chicago personal injury lawyer for guidance on your next steps.

HOLDING NEGLIGENT NURSING HOMES ACCOUNTABLE

Ten Warning Signs of Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect

If you have a loved one who is residing in a nursing home, the best thing you can do to protect them is to familiarize yourself with some of the most common signs of nursing home abuse and neglect. If you see any of the following, take action immediately.

Your loved one suddenly seems more disoriented, sleepy, or confused – Such a state could signify that they are given an overdose of dangerous medications, either purposefully or accidentally. It is also possible that they are experience side effects from drugs that need to be adjusted.

The resident develops incontinence – A lack of staff assistance for trips to the bathroom can lead to incontinence. If your loved one is already incontinent, skin breakdown or rashes in the diaper area may mean the resident’s diapers are not being changed often enough.

Problems with mobility – If a resident is not receiving regular exercise and physical activity, they become immobile or experience pain when moving.

Unsanitary conditions – Poor staff oversight and care may lead to a resident frequently smelling of urine or feces, wearing dirty clothes, possessing bad body order, having overgrown nails, and a hair badly in need of a wash.

Unexplained broken bones, dislocations, bruises, scratches, or other injuries – These injuries could be the result of physical abuse, rough handling during transfers from one position to another, or even force-feeding by the care facility’s staff.

The nursing home resident appears dehydrated or malnourished – You may notice a sudden weight loss, weakness, reduced urine output, or dry skin, lips, and mouth in your loved one.

Your loved one has bedsores, open wounds, or constant urinary tract infections (UTIs) – These symptoms could indicate that they do not receive the proper medical attention they deserve or have been confined to the bed. Such a case is more common with those possessing a chronic illness or diabetes.

Unexplained falls or accidents – Your loved one may not have adequate supervision or competent help to prevent these accidents.

Your aging loved one seems withdrawn, isolated, lacks interest in things they once enjoyed, or refuses to discuss certain subjects – Nursing home staff might be preventing them from participating in certain activities or causing them fear and intimidation.

The nursing home resident becomes agitated, anxious, fearful, guilty, or easily embarrassed. – These symptoms could be due to emotional abuse from the staff, including ignoring cries for help and call lights, ridiculing, bullying, humiliating, or even threatening punishment.

What to Do if You Suspect Nursing Home Abuse

If your loved one is suffering at the hands of nursing home staff who are supposed to provide quality care for them, don’t waste any time reaching out to us at the Pinkston Law Group. Waiting too long can put your loved one at further risk or cause valuable evidence to be lost or damaged. During this challenging time, we are here for you and will take every necessary action to protect your family member and seek justice on their behalf.

EXPERIENCED WORKERS COMP & PERSONAL INJURY ATTORNEY

Whether you’re dealing with a workers’ compensation claim, a civil rights violation, or a personal injury case, you and your family’s best interests are our top priority. Ms. Danielle A. Pinkston of Pinkston Law Group utilizes her extensive legal knowledge to resolve your case, no matter how complex it may be. We share your goals and work closely with you, delivering the exceptional services you need.