Many Delaware residents have had to deal with the tough situation of placing their elderly parents or grandparents in nursing home facilities. The situation is only made worse when they begin to worry that their loved one is being mistreated by nursing home staff.
If this is a situation that you have found yourself in, read through these warning signs of elder abuse from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to help you determine if your loved one may be being abused or neglected:
- Bruises, bed sores, broken bones, cuts, and burns can all be signs of physical abuse, neglect or mistreatment.
- Withdrawal from normal activities, sudden change in attentiveness, or depression that is not normal can be signs that emotional abuse is going on.
- Bruises around the private areas can be signs of sexual abuse.
- Changes in finances that happen suddenly or without explanation can be signs of financial abuse.
- Poor hygiene, bed sores, ignored medical needs and unexplained weight loss can be signs of neglect.
The Administration on Aging also warns that vulnerable adults may not be able to tell their loved ones what is happening, which is why it is crucial that you look for changes in personality, behavior or appearance.
If you think that your loved one is being abused or neglected, an experienced personal injury lawyer can help you investigate further. Nursing home abuse is a rising problem in Delaware, and our firm has helped hold many parties responsible for the hurt and suffering that they have caused.
To find out more about nursing home neglect and abuse, and how we can help, please visit our Nursing Home Liability Attorneys In New Castle County page.
