Warning Signs of Nursing Home Abuse in Columbia
When our loved ones reach a point where they can no longer care for themselves, it can be a difficult next step to move them into a nursing home. We have to trust that the facility and its staff will provide quality care and respect our family member’s well-being. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. Nursing home abuse in Columbia has become increasingly common, and it’s important to recognize the warning signs of abuse.
Every day across America, seniors are being mistreated, neglected, and abused in nursing homes. This abuse can take the form of physical abuse, psychological abuse, sexual abuse, financial exploitation, or neglect. In 2020 alone, there were over 15,000 complaints about abuse or neglect according to Nursing Home Abuse Justice, a platform dedicated to raising awareness and support about nursing home abuse. To learn more about the warning signs of nursing home abuse in Columbia, get in touch with an attorney today. Our skilled nursing home abuse lawyers are ready to help you fight for your loved one’s rights.
Recognizing the Warning Signs of Nursing Home Abuse
Identifying the warning signs of nursing home abuse isn’t always easy, as they can often be confused with other types of illnesses or conditions. Of course, there can be outward physical signs, such as bruises, but many times evidence of abuse or neglect is much more subtle in nature. According to the National Center for Victims of Crime (NCVC), there are some specific warning signs of nursing home abuse you should be aware of:
Physical Abuse
This type of abuse includes hitting, beating, pushing, shaking, or any other type of physical contact that is meant to cause harm. Warning signs include unexplained bruises and abrasions, broken bones, and the senior individual being fearful of physical contact with a specific staff member.
Psychological Abuse
This type of abuse can be verbal or non-verbal and includes threats, humiliation, and intimidation. Warning signs can include sudden changes in mood or behavior, withdrawal from social activities, unexplained fear or anxiety around certain caregivers, the senior being unwilling to talk about their treatment, or a reluctance to be alone with a particular staff member.
Sexual Abuse
This form of abuse includes any type of sexual contact that is forced or coerced. Warning signs can include bruises around the breasts or genital area, the senior being fearful of physical contact with a specific staff member, and the senior exhibiting unusual behavior such as becoming sexually promiscuous or acting out in a sexual manner.
Financial Exploitation
This type of abuse includes using an elderly person’s finances without their permission for the abuser’s own benefit. Warning signs can include sudden changes in bank account balances or financial activity, the senior giving gifts to staff members, an increase in debt, or withdrawal of large sums of money without explanation.
Neglect
This type of abuse includes intentional or unintentional abandonment by a caregiver resulting in a lack of necessary care being provided. Warning signs can include extreme weight loss or gain, bedsores, untreated medical conditions, and the senior being left in soiled clothing or bedding.
Keep in mind that if a victim of nursing home abuse already has a pre-existing condition, such as dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, warning signs may be harder to recognize. It’s important to trust your instincts and look closely for any changes in the behavior or physical appearance of your loved one.
If you do notice any of these signs of abuse in an assisted living facility in Columbia, it’s important to act quickly and contact the authorities.
Seeking Justice for Victims of Columbia Nursing Home Abuse
If you suspect that a loved one is being abused in their nursing home facility, it’s important to act quickly to protect them. The first step is to file a complaint with the nursing home facility and contact the local ombudsman or police department. In Columbia, victims of nursing home abuse can also seek justice by filing a personal injury claim.
A personal injury lawyer can help guide you through the legal process of filing a claim against the responsible party. Nursing home abuse is complex and not always simple to prove, so it’s important to have an experienced attorney who can help you build a strong case.
Contact Our Columbia Attorneys Today to Learn More about the Signs of Nursing Home Abuse
If you or a loved one has been the victim of nursing home abuse in Columbia, contact the Law Offices of Chris Miller. Our experienced personal injury lawyers are dedicated to protecting seniors from nursing home abuse.
We know how difficult these cases can be and will do everything we can to help you get the justice and compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation and to learn more about warning signs of nursing home abuse in Columbia.