Unfortunately, nursing home abuse and elder abuse is a reality everywhere across the world. According to the National Center on Elder Abuse, 1 in 6 seniors will experience some form of abuse. If you have an
elderly loved one residing in a nursing home in Georgia, it's important to be aware of the signs of abuse so you can protect them and get them the help they need.
1. Unexplained bruises, cuts, or welts - If your loved one has unexplained bruises, cuts, or welts, this could be a sign that they are being physically abused.
2. A sudden change in behavior or emotional state - Sudden changes in behavior can also be indicative of abuse. If your loved one is usually outgoing and happy but has become withdrawn and unresponsive, this could be cause for concern.
3. Lack of personal care or hygiene - If your loved one is not being properly cared for and their personal hygiene has suffered as a result, this easily could be a sign that they are being neglected and not well cared for.
4. Unexplained weight loss - Unexplained weight loss can be a sign of both physical and emotional abuse. If your loved one is not getting enough to eat or is being prevented from eating, this can lead to serious health problems down the road.
5. Poor living conditions - If you notice the nursing home your loved one is residing in is dirty or in disrepair, this could be a sign that the staff is not properly caring for the residents.
6. Bed Sores - Bed sores are another sign of neglect and can occur when a person is not being moved frequently enough. This can happen even if the staff is providing proper medical care; if your loved one has bed sores, it's important to ask questions about why they developed them and what steps are being taken to prevent them from happening again in the future.
7. Financial exploitation - Unfortunately, the financial exploitation of seniors is very common. If you notice that your loved one's money or possessions are missing, this could be a sign that they are being taken advantage of financially.
8. Sexual abuse - Sexual abuse of seniors is another type of abuse that is also sadly all too common. If you notice any changes in your loved ones' behavior with regard to sexual activity, this could be cause for concern.
9. Emotional abuse - Emotional abuse can manifest itself in many ways; if you notice that your loved one seems agitated or depressed for no apparent reason, this could be a sign that they are being emotionally abused by staff or other residents..
10. Withdrawal from activities they once enjoyed - Finally, if your loved one suddenly stops participating in activities they once enjoyed, this could also be a sign that something is wrong..
Nursing home abuse and elder abuse are serious problems in our country. If you have an elderly loved one residing in a nursing home, it's important to familiarize yourself with the signs of abuse so you can protect them. If you notice any of the above signs, don't hesitate to reach out to the Law Office of Daniel R. Crumby, LLC an experienced Georgia elder law attorney who can help you investigate and take action to
protect your loved one.
The Law Office of Daniel R. Crumby, LLC is located in Atlanta, GA and serves clients in and around Roswell, Decatur, Scottdale, Clarkston, Avondale Estates, Tucker, Smyrna, Dekalb County and Fulton County.
Attorney Advertising. This website is designed for general information only. The information presented at this site should not be construed to be formal legal advice nor the formation of a lawyer/client relationship. See our profile at Lawyers.com