Signs Of Nursing Home Neglect and Elder Abuse

There are certain warning signs that can indicate nursing home abuse has and/or still is occurring. Some residents are hesitant to disclose instances of nursing home abuse out of fear that the abuse will get worse or because they do not want to burden their families.

Some residents may not even be able to communicate that nursing home abuse is occurring due to physical or mental limitations. If there are any signs or indicators that nursing home abuse is present, immediate action should be taken.

1. Unexplained bruises, cuts, burns, sprains, or fractures in various stages of healing


2. Bedsores or frozen joints


3. Unexplained venereal disease or genital infections; vaginal or anal bleeding; torn, stained, or bloody underclothing


4. Sudden changes in behavior


5. Staff refusing to allow visitors to see resident or delays in allowing visitors to see resident


6. Staff not allowing resident to be alone with visitor


7. Resident being kept in an over-medicated state


8. Loss of resident's possessions


9. Sudden large withdrawals from bank accounts or changes in banking practices


10. Abrupt changes in will or other financial documents

The nursing home and its administrator should be licensed by the State to operate.

Do the nursing home’s procedures to screen potential employees for a history of abuse meet your State’s requirements? Your State’s Ombudsman program might be able to help you with this information.

Some nursing homes have special service units like rehabilitation, Alzheimer's, and hospice. Learn if there are separate waiting periods or facility guidelines for when residents would be moved on or off the special unit.

Do the nursing home’s training programs educate employees about how to recognize resident abuse and neglect, how to deal with aggressive or difficult residents, and how to deal with the stress of caring for so many needs?

Are there clear procedures to identify events or trends that might lead to abuse and neglect, and on how to investigate, report, and resolve your complaints?

Are there policies or procedures to safeguard resident possessions?

Other things to notice while visiting the potential nursing home facility is:

• How do other nursing home residents appear to get along with the staff?


• Does the staff know the individual names of different nursing home residents?


• Do the staff members appear responsive to the needs of the nursing home residents?


• Are the nursing home residents properly dressed?


• Are there different activities for the nursing home residents that incorporate different interests?


• Does the nursing home incorporate the community into their facility?


• Does the staff actively participate in recognizing the nursing home resident’s interests?


• Does the nursing home facility allow family participation in the resident’s care plan?


• Does the nursing home facility have specific programs or units to fit the special needs that the resident may need?


• Is the nursing home facility clean and orderly?


• Are there any strange odors present in the nursing home?


• Are the nursing home residents allowed to have personal items, like pictures, in their possession?

Nursing Home Abuse and NEGLECT Elder Law Lawsuits

Have you or someone you love been mistreated or subject to abuse or neglect while living in a Nursing Home? Has a family member suffered from a bed sore or pressure sore, also known as a decubitus ulcer, malnutrition, dehydration, over medication, or any unexplained injury or death? Trust Bagolie Friedman Injury Lawyers to fight for your rights and obtain the justice you deserve. We offer aggressive representation and free consultations.

We are personal injury and workers' compensation trial lawyers. Contact us now for a free, confidential and no risk consultation if you have questions about any type of accident, injury, disability, workers' compensation or disease claim. Whatever legal problem you have, our personal injury attorneys want to help.

This resource offers information on a wide variety of personal injury case types and is intended to help injury victims find the information they need to understand their legal rights and make informed decisions. If you would like to discuss a potential case please feel free to call toll free 1-866-333-3LAW (1-866-333-3529 )or submit a FREE online case review.