Everyone responsible for owning and operating a nursing home or assisted living facility should dedicate themselves fully to providing the best possible care for all residents. Unfortunately, abuse and neglect are a lot more common inside these facilities than many people would like to think. What is even worse is that it can be deceptively difficult for family members and friends of nursing home residents to tell when this mistreatment is happening.
If you have any suspicion whatsoever that someone you love is being abused or neglected inside their assisted living facility, a trusted nursing home abuse attorney from Berkowitz and Hanna, LLC can help determine what is going on and what steps you should take to protect your family. In the meantime, here are some common warning signs of nursing home abuse in Stamford that you should be aware of if you have a family member living in one of these facilities.
While serious injuries like broken bones and facial bruising are clear indicators of potential abuse that should always be investigated, minor injuries can also be significant in certain situations. If a nursing home resident is constantly sustaining minor cuts and bruises, and especially if those injuries mainly occur around their ankles and wrists, they might be experiencing mistreatment like improper use of restraints or other subtle forms of abuse.
Similarly, nursing home staff should be ready and willing to explain how an injury to a resident occurred, detail the treatment they are receiving, and outline the steps they will take to prevent other incidents from happening. Refusal by staff members to answer questions, leave visitors alone with residents, or respond to phone calls or emails could all be potential signs that abuse or neglect is occurring inside a Stamford nursing home.
Various forms of intentional abuse and inadvertent neglect inside nursing homes can cause dramatic shifts not just in a resident’s physical condition but also in their mental health and social behaviors. Besides sudden weight loss or gain, family members of Stamford nursing home residents should watch for psychological signs of abuse, such as regression to childlike behaviors, refusal to communicate, and newly onset depression or anxiety. These symptoms are especially concerning when they occur primarily while around a specific staff member or other resident.
Environmental factors can also contribute to abuse or neglect in nursing homes and serve as an early warning sign of mistreatment. If a resident goes multiple days without having their clothes or bed linens changed, has moldy food in their room, or is missing personal items or medications, it may be time to speak with nursing home administrators. In extreme cases, law enforcement and legal counsel should be notified about possible abuse or neglect.
Because nursing home residents often deal with serious physical or cognitive limitations, it is up to you as their family member or friend to look out for their best interests on their behalf. Being familiar with the common warning signs of nursing home abuse in Stamford is vital, and if you see those signs, you should promptly take steps toward preventing further mistreatment.
Fortunately, the experienced and compassionate nursing home abuse attorneys at Berkowitz and Hanna, LLC, can help. Call today to discuss your options.
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