CHICAGO, IL – When placing your loved one in a nursing facility, everyone hopes their loved one will be treated with the respect and compassion they deserve. Unfortunately, that’s not the reality of how some facilities are. Physical, emotional, psychological, and sexual abuse can happen to any resident; however, Alzheimer’s disease and dementia are often ones that are at the most risk for abuse.
Physical Abuse
Physical abuse can take forms in ways of hitting, slapping, kicking, or pinching. It can also take form in a way of roughly handling your loved one when transferring them in and out of their wheelchair or bed. If a resident has bruises, cuts, or other physical injuries that they or staff are unable to explain, this may be a sign that staff or other residents have abused him or her; however, it’s important to note that not all physical injuries are a sign of abuse.
Psychological or Emotional Abuse
Nursing home staff can embarrass, isolate, and scare residents as a form of controlling them. If you see or feel that your loved one exhibits signs of fear towards staff, especially a specific staff member, this may be a sign of abuse. Sudden changes in behavior suck as rocking back and forth can be a sign of abuse. Residents who suffer from Alzheimer’s and dementia become confused and may convince themselves they are in danger and someone is harming them when they may not be the case; however, it’s important to take every precaution and investigate any report of mistreatment or signs of abuse.
Sexual Abuse
It’s difficult to believe anyone could take advantage of someone as vulnerable as an elder, especially someone who suffers from a cognitive impairment. A resident is not limited to suffering from sexual abuse from only staff members – any visitor that enters the facility can abuse an elder, along with other residents or staff members. Signs of abuse can be bruises, bleeding, agitation, depression, torn or blood-stained clothing, and contracting a sexually transmitted infection.
Contact a Cook County Nursing Home Abuse Attorney
If you suspect your loved one has been a victim of nursing home abuse, it’s important to take immediate steps to protect his or her safety. Always alert the nursing facility and authorities about signs of suspected abuse. Once your loved one is safe, contact a Chicago nursing home injury attorney at Dinizulu Law Group for a free consultation at (312) 384-1920 or visit our website for more information.
