Warning Signs of Nursing Home Abuse in Terre Haute

Each year, thousands of people over the age of 60 get abused, neglected, or exploited, according to the National Institute on Aging (NIH). Elderly abuse often occurs in otherwise safe environments or by trusted individuals, making it hard to catch.

For families who have loved ones in a long-term care facility, it is crucial you know the warning signs of nursing home abuse in Terre Haute because aging citizens may not feel comfortable or may not want to talk about it. Our respected nursing home neglect attorneys know exactly what you need to do.

Types of Elder Abuse

Elder abuse isn’t always blatant abuse. An elderly individual may appear in good health and devoid of visible bruises; however, this does not imply the absence of underlying concerns. Physical abuse is just one of the problems facing our elders. Other types of elder abuse include the following.

Neglect

Neglect of an elder is more common in nursing home situations than we like to think. If staff (purposely or accidentally) neglect their responsibility to arrange for appropriate medical care or confine elders to their beds, it is neglect. It also applies if the caregiver fails to address a patient’s hygiene needs, such as changing clothes or bathing, or neglects to provide regular meals.

Financial Abuse

This abuse is often the hardest to see because it involves stealing from an individual. A warning sign of financial abuse in a Terre Haute nursing home may involve having staff acquire the elder’s power of attorney, taking private property, or using their credit cards and cash to buy things for personal gain.

Physical or Sexual Abuse

Physical or sexual abuse means there are bruises and other outward signs of trauma, whether physical or emotional. If someone does things to the elderly without their consent or to cause them bodily harm, it may open them up to be the target of a civil suit. As someone who cares about the patient, you may discover bruises that are difficult to explain, your loved one acting scared, or other issues. Of all abuse scenarios, this is the most easily seen, but it may be the hardest for elders to talk about.

Nursing homes or individual workers might also commit fraud by performing unnecessary tests to obtain more money from the state or the federal government. There may even be a variety of abuse going on simultaneously. Therefore, as someone actively involved with the situation, you must trust your gut to determine what is happening and bring in a professional.

Warning Signs of Elder Abuse

Knowing the signs of elder abuse will help you identify what is happening, even if your loved one doesn’t want to talk about it. However, there are several signs of abuse. The most common signs of abuse in nursing homes include:

• Unexplained injuries
• Unexplained weight loss
• Loss of glasses, teeth, hearing aids, medications, and other medical aids
• Bedsores
• Rapid changes in behavior
• Unpaid medical bills
• Noticeable lack of care when speaking to staff
• Large withdrawals from bank accounts or credit cards
• Blood on clothing or bedclothes is unexplained
• Hair loss
• Withdrawal or anxiety
• Complaints about the staff or nervousness around specific people

In short, if issues occur that you cannot explain, it may be time to seek help. The Code of Federal Regulations § 483.12 Freedom from abuse, neglect, and exploitation states clearly that a facility must not use verbal, mental, sexual, or physical abuse toward residents. This helps protect people in long-term care facilities. If these abuses exist, it is time to get in touch with our experienced personal injury attorney.

Call Us If You See Signs of Nursing Home Abuse in Terre Haute

In Indiana, if you see something, you must say something. Therefore, if you have suspicions of abuse occurring in a nursing home or are experiencing a sense of danger, it is essential to know that there are resources available to provide support. For instance, you should call 911 if you have an emergency or need immediate assistance. You should also contact Adult Protective Services to report your concerns.

Once the reports are made, you must prove that abuse has occurred. Our attorneys are ready to help, whether by establishing personal injury or providing step-by-step assistance in navigating the legal processes. Contact Fleschner, Stark, Tanoos & Newlin today for a free consultation regarding your case.