Unfortunately, nursing home abuse remains a very serious problem. The National Council on Aging (NCOA) estimates that 10 percent of senior citizens have endured some form of abuse or neglect. At Rikard & Protopapas, LLC, we are strong advocates for the elderly and vulnerable. We want to make sure you and your family have access to the knowledge and resources to spot the early warning signs of problems. There are many different types of abuse in nursing homes. Here, our Mount Pleasant nursing home abuse lawyers discuss the most common signs of abuse and neglect and explain how to respond to the mistreatment of your elderly loved one.
Know the Most Common Signs of Nursing Home Abuse
Malnutrition
Nursing home residents are vulnerable. The importance of proper, consistent nutrition cannot be overstated. Not only is malnutrition dangerous, it is a common warning sign of abuse or neglect. It is a serious health issue that can lead to weight loss, muscle weakness, fatigue, and poor recovery. Notably, chronic malnutrition can lead to severe complications.
How to Recognize It: Watch your loved one’s weight. Weight loss is a sign of poor nutrition.
Dehydration
A nursing home resident should never be dehydrated. Staff members of the facility have a responsibility to prevent dehydration. If it occurs, they should immediately address it. Some notable symptoms of dehydration include dry mouth, decreased urination, dizziness, and severe thirst. It is a serious health issue that can exacerbate existing medical conditions.
How to Recognize It: Pay attention to thirst levels, eyes, and skin.
Bedsores
Also referred to as pressure ulcers, bedsores are injuries to the skin—and sometimes even the underlying tissue—that can result from prolonged pressure on the skin. These injuries most commonly occur in bedridden or wheelchair-bound residents who are not moved regularly. Bedsores are a strong indicator of neglect. It is a serious matter as bedsores can lead to infections.
How to Recognize It: Check your loved one’s skin for any painful sores.
Unsanitary Living Conditions
Another common warning sign of abuse or neglect is unsanitary living conditions. Some of the most notable examples of poor living conditions include soiled bedding, bad smells, signs of pests, and unclean bathrooms. These conditions suggest a lack of proper cleaning and maintenance—and they can potentially expose residents to harmful bacteria/viruses.
How to Recognize It: Make sure the living quarters of your loved one are clean and well-ordered.
Unexplained Injuries
Does your elderly loved one have unexplained injuries? That could be a sign of nursing home abuse or neglect. Bruises and other injuries may all indicate problems within the facility. These injuries may happen when residents are improperly handled or are physically mistreated by staff or others.
How to Recognize It: Carefully review your loved one for any bruises or other injuries.
Frequent Infections or Illnesses
By definition, nursing home residents are vulnerable. They need to be properly protected. Recurrent infections or illnesses can often be a sign of abuse or neglect within nursing home care. Notably, frequent infections are particularly concerning as they can severely deteriorate a resident’s health.
How to Recognize It: Review your vulnerable loved one’s medical records on a regular basis.
Sudden Psychological Issues
If a nursing home resident is suddenly withdrawn, depressed, or anxious, it could be a sign of nursing home abuse. Abrupt changes in behavior or mood are often indicative of problems. Residents at nursing homes in South Carolina may experience emotional distress from physical mistreatment, verbal abuse, social isolation, or the lack of proper mental health support.
How to Recognize It: Speak to your loved one and make sure they feel safe, secure, and comfortable.
Reluctance to Speak in Staff’s Presence
If a resident seems hesitant or fearful to speak openly in front of nursing home staff, it could be a sign of abuse. It is a type of alarming behavior that might indicate that the resident feels threatened or has previously had negative experiences when expressing concerns or complaints.
How to Recognize It: Openly ask questions to staff members at the assisted living facility.
Unexplained Financial Transactions
Financial exploitation is another form of abuse. Indeed, elder financial abuse is a serious problem in South Carolina and throughout the country. Unrecognized withdrawals, unexplained financial transactions, or changes in financial documents may be a sign that some form of elder exploitation is occurring. Immediate action is a must. A lawyer with experience handling elder financial fraud cases can help your family get justice.
How to Recognize It: Make sure your loved one’s financial accounts are reviewed regularly.
How to Report Abuse in a Nursing Home in South Carolina
Do you suspect that your elderly parent or other vulnerable loved one was the victim of nursing home abuse or nursing home neglect in South Carolina? It is imperative that you take immediate action to respond to the mistreatment. Here are four key steps that you and your family should take:
1. Recognize the Signs: Reporting abuse or neglect starts with spotting it. You should look for physical signs such as bruises, bedsores, and unexplained injuries. You should also pay attention to signs of fearfulness, depression, and/or anxiety.
2. Notify the Assisted Living Facility: Next, you should alert the nursing home’s administrator. Under federal law, these facilities are required to promptly investigate and respond to complaints of abuse or neglect.
3. File a Complaint: Nursing home abuse should be formally reported. You can report it by phone or online through a portal offered by the South Carolina Department of Social Services (DSS).
4. Speak to a Lawyer: A Mount Pleasant, SC nursing home abuse attorney can review your case, answer questions, and help you take legal action to get justice.
Schedule a Free Consultation With Our Mount Pleasant Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer Today
At Rikard & Protopapas, LLC, our South Carolina nursing home abuse attorneys are skilled, compassionate, and experienced advocates for residents. Our team holds negligent facilities accountable. If you suspect that your loved one was the victim of nursing home abuse, we can help.
Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation. With an office in Mount Pleasant, we handle nursing home abuse and neglect claims in Charleston County and throughout the region.