Five Signs of Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect

Written by Adam Peck Category: Elder Abuse January 26th, 2013 2 min read

Nursing Home Neglect: Five Signs of Abuse:

There are thousands of California residents who reside in nursing homes or other assisted-living facilities. Whether due to sickness or disability, these individuals are often very vulnerable to abuse from their staff or other residents.

It is important that you do your part to make sure that your family members are not being subjected to nursing home malpractice.

Here are five signs of nursing home abuse:

Bed sores.

Decubitus ulcers or bedsores occur when a person if left lying in a fixed position for an extended period of time without proper movement. The pressure on the skin causes ulcers to form and, over time, these can turn into infected areas and ulcers that can be life threatening. Regular bathing and proper movement and repositioning can prevent most bed sores.

Unusual bruises.

If your loved one is incapacitated or can’t move without assistance, bruises are often associated with some sort of abuse. For those who can’t care for themselves, it is important that their caretakers be trained in proper ways to move and carry the patient to prevent falls or bruises.

Problems with medication.

If you notice that your loved one is going through his or her medication too slowly or quickly, there may be a problem with the way medication is administered. Overmedication is sometimes a tactic used by nursing homes to keep the residents docile or immobile. Make sure to keep track of medication.

Sudden weight loss.

If someone loses weight suddenly, it may be due to malnutrition or dehydration. Incapacitated persons may not be able to communicate their needs to you or their caretakers. Their caretakers, however, are paid to make sure that the residents are fed regularly and given fluids.

Unsanitary or unclean conditions.

No matter a person’s condition, he or she deserves to have basic needs taken care of including regular bathing and changing of sheets and clothes. If you notice foul odors coming from a resident’s body, bed or room, it is likely that the nursing home has failed to provide adequate service.

– from Steven Peck, Senior Attorney at Peck Law Group

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Written by Adam Peck

Expertise: Personal Injury

Adam J. Peck, ESQ is a principal with Peck Law Group, APC. In 2008, Mr. Adam Peck received his Juris Doctorate from Whittier Law School where he graduated Cum Laude. His practice is primarily dedicated to representing Elders, Dependent Adults, along with their loved ones and family members, who have suffered horrific personal injuries.