Nursing Home Abuse
Many people find that the decision to place a loved one in a nursing home is one of the most difficult decisions they will ever have to make. It is important to take every available precaution to make sure that you have chosen a quality care facility that is safe, sanitary, and meets the specific needs of your loved one.
However, you should also be aware of the potential for nursing home abuse. No matter how much time and care you put into choosing a facility, your loved one may still suffer at the hand of a negligent or malicious staff member, aide, or nurse. For this reason, it is important to understand what types of abuse can occur and how to recognize the signs of abuse.
Types of Nursing Home Abuse
Types of nursing home abuse can include:
- Physical abuse
- Sexual abuse
- Emotional abuse
- Malnutrition
- Medication mistakes
- Neglect
- Theft or exploitation
Unfortunately, many times nursing home abuse goes unreported because victims are afraid or embarrassed to report the abuse, or because their loved ones do not know the signs of abuse.
Signs of Nursing Home Abuse
The following signs may indicate abuse:
- A dirty or overcrowded nursing home facility
- Sudden fear, depression, or withdrawal expressed by your loved one
- Injuries that nursing home staff cannot adequately explain, including bruises, bedsores, scratches, or sprains
- Sudden weight loss or decline in overall health
- Hesitance or reluctance of staff members to allow you to spend time alone with your loved one
Contact Us
To learn more about your legal options in the face of nursing home abuse, contact the Iowa personal injury lawyers of LaMarca & Landry, P.C. at 877-327-2600 today.
