Signs of nursing home abuse

Nothing is more heart wrenching than to have to put a loved one in a nursing home. Unfortunately that is sometimes the only option left for you and your family when the person can no longer be cared for adequately at home. For most people turning their loved one’s care over to strangers is a frightening and intimidating process, especially if your loved one is no longer able to communicate with you.

How do you know that your husband, mother, aunt etc. are getting the care they need and are not being neglected? The news is filled with horror stories about the sad increase in nursing home negligence and abuse, sometimes with tragic outcomes. Our Maryland law firm can be your and your family’s advocate if you suspect that the nursing home is being negligent in their duties or abusive to your loved one. 

The are several signs of Nursing Home neglect or abuse. They can include negligence to the daily requirements of personal hygiene and comfort, or can be in the form of physical abuse, and can also include emotional abuse. Here are the most common signs of Nursing Home neglect:

• Resident is unclean and has strong body odor
• Bedding and room are unclean and carry strong odors
• Loss of weight or appetite
• Appears unnecessarily agitated
• Missing personal items
• Unexplained or unreasonable falls and injuries
• Bruises and other skin discolorations
• Broken bones
• Medication issues (If the patient is incoherent constantly due to medication or in constant pain)
• Bedsores
• Dehydration
• Lack of assistance at meal times
• Patient is withdrawn or frightened
• Injuries without believable explanations
• Uncaring or nonresponsive staff

This list is by no means all inclusive for possible signs of a problem. You, the family, know your loved one best and will notice things that are just “off” as well as some of these more obvious signs. Our law firm has years of experience in Maryland nursing home regulations and legal mandates. We will offer you a free consultation to discuss your concerns and your legal options. Under Maryland law, the nursing home resident has certain undeniable rights, such as the quality and type of care, personal possessions, well being, as well as many other rights explicitly detailed by the justice system. Our firm has earned a reputation of being compassionate and will work with you to protect your loved one’s rights as a nursing home resident in Maryland. 

Contact our firm today for a free case evaluation.