Caring for an aging loved one can be a full-time job, and even the most devoted children may not be able to commit the time it takes to provide sufficient care and attention. If you are in this situation, you may be considering the benefits of finding a high-quality nursing home for your relative; however, it is important to remember that nursing home abuse and neglect are alarmingly common, and all it takes is one poorly trained staff member to injure your loved one.
Nursing home residents with dementia are at a particularly high risk of suffering abuse. According to the National Criminal Justice Reference Service, caregivers abuse or neglect roughly 50 percent of clients with dementia.
If you think your loved one was a victim of nursing home abuse, contact The Dinizulu Law Group, Ltd. Yao O. Dinizulu will help you pursue justice and compensation from the at-fault caregiver or facility. Call 312-384-1920 today to schedule a consultation with an elder abuse attorney in Chicago.
Read on to learn five telltale signs of nursing home abuse and neglect:
- Poor Hygiene
Even if your loved one is capable of bathing alone, the nursing home staff is responsible for assisting with basic hygiene needs such as nail clipping, teeth brushing, and hair combing. If your relative has poor personal hygiene, it could be a sign that the staff is negligent.
- Visible Injuries
According to the National Center on Elder Abuse, one of the most common effects of nursing home abuse is visible injuries such as welts, bruises, pressure ulcers, and broken bones. If your loved one has physical injuries and there is no apparent cause, it could be a sign of abuse.
- Personality Changes
Nursing home abuse does not always cause clearly visible injuries. If your loved one has become agitated, withdrawn, fearful, or uncommunicative, it might be because he or she is being abused or neglected.
- Frantic or Frequently Changing Staff
Understaffing is a primary cause of nursing home neglect. If the employees seem frantic and fatigued, it may be because they are overworked. You should also be concerned if there are new employees every time you visit.
New employees may not know your loved one’s specific needs. Also, overcrowded nursing homes often fail to train their staff appropriately, and as a result, caregivers are unable to fulfill residents’ needs.
- Malnutrition
It is common to lose weight as we age, and underlying health conditions can affect how your loved one absorbs certain nutrients; however, if your relative appears to be malnourished for no apparent reason, it could be a sign of neglect.
If you believe that your loved one was abused, neglected, or financially exploited in a long-term care facility, contact The Dinizulu Law Group, Ltd. A nursing home abuse lawyer in Chicago will evaluate your case to determine if you have grounds for a claim.
Call 312-384-1920 to schedule a consultation. You can learn more about nursing home abuse claims in Illinois by visiting USAttorneys.com.
