If you suspect that your loved one has been a victim of some form of nursing home abuse or neglect, it is important that you take immediate action.
Many of the nursing home employees are often underpaid, overworked and unfortunately poorly trained. Neglect and abuse may occur when an elderly person does not receive the proper level of care he or she requires. Should a nursing home fail to provide the proper care that they have promised, a resident can often suffer from physical and/or psychological harm. It is important that you are aware of potential signs that your loved one has been harmed in order to prevent or stop it before your loved one suffers from needless harm.
Below are some signs of nursing home abuse.
- Open wounds
- Bed/pressure sores
- Sudden and unexplained change in weight
- Poor personal hygiene, smell of urine or feces, soiling
- Recurrent infection
- Sudden loss of hair
- Emotional withdrawal
- Physical issues from lack of nutrition
- Loss or decrease in mobility
- Unexplained injuries
- Fractures
Knowing the warning signs of abuse can save your loved one from wrongful death or unnecessary harm.
If you suspect a nursing home is not providing the level of care that they promised, contact the New York State Department of Health at www.health.ny.gov/facilities/nursing/complaints.htm
