Too often nursing home abuse or neglect takes place in a nursing home but is never detected until it is too late.<\/p>\n
One of the unfortunate realities about growing old is that your body and mind begin to deteriorate. That is a fact of life. However, the excuses that injuries and conditions are caused by old age are too common in nursing facilities. No matter what someone\u2019s age is they should not suffer the consequences of a staff that fails to provide the care that they are being paid to give.<\/p>\n
The best way to protect your loved one in a nursing facility is to stay engaged and active in their care. Don\u2019t ever hesitate to ask questions or demand answers if you believe they are not receiving the appropriate care. However, below are some common examples of nursing home neglect and abuse:<\/p>\n
Rapid loss of weight without a change in medical treatment<\/p>\n
Untouched food on trays that are out of patient\u2019s reach<\/p>\n
Extreme hunger when eating with or fed by family<\/p>\n
Extreme thirst when fluids are provided by family<\/p>\n
Overly medicated, despondent and generally not acting themselves (unless there is a medical reason)<\/p>\n
Suddenly fearful or easily spooked<\/p>\n
Excessive number of or frequent occurrence of cuts, bruises and other wounds<\/p>\n
Frequent hospitalizations<\/p>\n
Hesitancy of nursing home to send your loved one to the hospital<\/p>\n
Hesitancy of nursing home to seek physician opinion when requested by patient or family<\/p>\n
Rarely gets patient out of bed or rarely turns the patient (unless medical condition requires non-movement)<\/p>\n
Lack of safety restraints when sitting in a wheelchair<\/p>\n
Frequent or unexplained broken bones<\/p>\n
Smell or odor coming from the patient may be a sign of bed sores or decubitus ulcers<\/p>\n
If you believe your loved one is suffering some form of nursing home neglect or abuse it is important that you contact a nursing home injury lawyer<\/a>.<\/p>\n