Elder abuse is a serious matter that, unfortunately, touches the lives of many defenseless older adults. It sometimes happens when people do not vet prospective nursing homes well and rush into the placement too quickly. Elder abuse isn't always the fault of the person who chooses the facility, however. Unkind souls slip through the cracks in even the most prominent homes and wreak havoc on innocent people.
Fortunately, help does exist for victims of elder abuse. The first step toward getting such help is recognizing the signs and getting confirmation. These are signs to look out for if you have a loved one in nursing home care.
1. Mood Changes
One of the signs you might notice if your loved one is experiencing abuse or bullying is a change in his or her mood. You might see some bouts of random irritability, crying, displaced anger, or general sadness that may lead you to believe something is going on, especially if your loved one doesn't usually behave in this way and is not suffering from a current illness. Your loved one will need your compassion and understanding during this time. Thus, you should attempt to get closer rather than push them away because of the behavior.
2. Avoidance or Withdrawal
You may also notice that your loved one avoids looking directly into your eyes. They may look away when asked how things are going at the nursing home. You might notice that the individual seems withdrawn and does not want to participate in recreational activities at the facility, either.
Even worse, your loved one may not want to engage in activities or conversations with you or other interested parties. This behavior may be due to fear or shame about what has happened behind closed doors. Elder abuse comes in various forms, such as physical, emotional, sexual, and financial abuse.
3. Physical Bruises
Another potential sign of elder abuse is the existence of injuries that seem to come from nowhere. These injuries may include bruises, cuts, burns, lumps, or anything that looks out of place. You can ask your loved one how the damage came about, but a person suffering from abuse might give you an excuse that doesn't make sense. For example, they may say they fell out of bed, but the bruise or cut doesn't match the scenario.
4. Financial Disarray
Financial elder abuse happens more frequently than some might think. Perpetrators sometimes present a pyramid scheme or gain access to the victim's bank account information and then wipe it out.
If you are authorized to, you must pay close attention to your loved one's finances if you suspect that this may be going on. You will see significant signs of monetary loss if someone is taking advantage of your loved one while currently in a nursing home.
5. Signs of Fear
You also need to pay close attention to your loved one's reactions to the people who work in the facility. You might notice a subtle look when certain staff members are around, such as their eyes indicating fear.
This person may be too afraid to talk to you about elder abuse right away. However, with the help of compassionate, open conversation, you may be able to make them feel more comfortable so you can get information that will help you help them.
Other signs may exist. These are only a few to look out for. If you notice any signs that your loved one may be experiencing trauma, it is important to delve deeper into the situation or reach out to a mental health professional for assistance.
When approaching your loved one about their difficult experience, it's important to maintain a calm and reassuring attitude. After receiving confirmation of the situation, it would be advisable to proceed to the next step: consulting with a lawyer who specializes in these specific matters.
Hire an Elder Abuse Lawyer in Lebanon, PA
Miller Law Firm specializes in a wide range of legal areas, with a particular focus on nursing homes and elder abuse. Our legal team is here to handle your delicate concerns with utmost care and dedication, advocating for the rightful justice your loved one deserves. We deeply empathize with the difficult experience your elder relative or friend has endured, and we are committed to helping you address this issue.
If you would like to discuss this matter personally, please feel free to reach out to us at 717-251-1259. Another option is to fill out our online contact form to schedule a consultation.