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What are the most common signs of nursing home abuse and neglect?

nursing home

When the inevitable day comes when you are no longer able to take care of yourself, you can on your loved ones for assistance. When your loved ones can no longer take on the responsibility of providing adequate care as you likely need round-the-clock assistance, they may decide you would be better suited to an assisted living facility. Nursing homes provide elderly adults with long-term care. Legally, these facilities are obligated to meet certain medical standards of care. When a caregiver fails to meet their legal obligations, it can result in serious injuries and even death. Unfortunately, nursing home abuse and neglect are common as caregivers may intentionally or unintentionally cause physical, emotional, or psychological harm to residents. Unfortunately, the signs of nursing home abuse and neglect are not always apparent. Keep reading to learn the most common signs of abuse and neglect to ensure your loved one is receiving adequate care. In addition, please contact a determined Middlesex County Nursing Home Litigation Attorney who can help you consider your legal options. 

What is nursing home abuse and neglect?

Nursing home abuse and neglect occur when residents do not receive proper care and suffer physical and/or mental health problems as a result. Unfortunately, as mentioned above, abuse and neglect in assisted living facilities often remain unnoticed. Many people fail to recognize it as they only look for signs of physical mistreatment. However, if your elderly loved one seems agitated or just doesn’t seem themselves, it could point to abuse and neglect. Sadly, it is unlikely for victims of elder abuse to tell their family and friends about the situation. This can make it difficult to detect signs of abuse and neglect. Nevertheless, it is important to check on your loved ones so you can keep an eye out for any signs of mistreatment. The most common signs of abuse and neglect in assisted living facilities include the following:

  • Unexplained injuries
  • Infections
  • Unsanitary living conditions
  • Bedsores
  • Dehydration or malnutrition
  • Reluctance to speak in front of nursing home staff
  • Emotionally withdrawn
  • Unusual or sudden changes in behavior
  • Lack of hygiene
  • Improper medication administration
  • Isolation or non-communicative
  • Reluctance to be touched
  • Sexual assault
  • Unexplained death

If you have detected any signs of nursing home abuse or neglect, you need to seek legal assistance as soon as possible. In New Jersey, elderly adults or their family members have two years from the date of the accident to file a claim against a negligent party. Generally, both caregivers and the assisted living facility are liable for nursing home abuse and neglect.

Discovering your loved one is a victim of nursing home abuse or neglect can be overwhelming. Don’t navigate this complex legal process alone. Allow our skilled and trusted team members to help you hold the caregiver and assisted living facility accountable for their negligence. Our firm is committed to helping our clients get justice.

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