The holidays are a time for family and friends to get together. While we would love to spend more time with our family and friends, the truth is that our lives can be very hectic, especially around the holidays. It is important to remember our loved ones who are unable to get out of their residence to enjoy the holiday season. As you are planning your holiday schedules, remember to include loved ones and friends who are in nursing homes.
Schedule several visits over the holidays to ensure that these very important people do not feel left out or alone this holiday season. Also remember, that each time you visit your loved ones in a nursing home, you have the opportunity to check on the health and well-being of your loved one. It is a horrible thought that your loved one could be mistreated, neglected, or abused by the very people who you trust to care for your loved one. Therefore, as you visit this holiday season, be mindful of the signs of elder abuse in nursing homes.
During the Holiday Season, Look for These Signs of Nursing Home and Elder Abuse:
- Evidence of physical abuse such as bruising, lacerations, and unexplained injuries
- Changes in mood, especially depression, anxiety, and fear
- Abnormal signs of withdrawal
- Significant weight loss or refusal to eat/drink
- Unusual behavior, such as rocking in place
- Poor hygiene
- Fearful of staff members or other residents
- Abnormal pleas not to leave them alone or leave them in the nursing home
- Unexplained shifts in finances
For other signs and symptoms of nursing home abuse and elder abuse, visit the website for the National Committee for the Prevention of Elder Abuse. Remember, the above signs are reasons to ask questions. There could be an explanation for the change in physical, emotional, mental, or financial well-being; however, you need to ask questions to determine if the reason is valid or if your loved one may be the victim of elder abuse.
What Should I Do If I Suspect Elder Abuse?
Report the abuse immediately! You can report elder abuse in Pennsylvania by contacting the Pennsylvania Department of Aging’s 24-hour hotline. Nursing home abuse and elder abuse is a crime.
However, you may also have a civil cause of action against the person or persons responsible for the abuse. You should also consult an Erie nursing home abuse attorney to learn about your legal rights to hold the parties responsible for the abuse liable for their actions. You may have a valid legal claim against the nursing home, staff, and other parties. Your loved one may be entitled to receive compensation for his or her injuries, suffering, and other damages.
Our Erie nursing home abuse attorneys are here to answer your questions and discuss your legal options to seek just for your loved one and protect your loved one from further elder abuse.
Call the Travis Law Firm at (800) 401-2066 to schedule a free consultation with an Erie elder abuse attorney. Our free, no-obligation consultations are confidential. You can trust that you are doing what is best for your loved one by consulting with an attorney who has experience fighting for the rights of nursing home residents and senior citizens.