Do You Know the Signs of Nursing Home Abuse in Erie, PA?
Placing your family member in a nursing home or assisted living facility is a difficult decision, especially if your loved one does not want to live in the facility or does not understand what is happening to him or her. One of the biggest fear of most families is that their loved one will be mistreated or abused in a nursing home or assisted care facility. One of the best ways to reduce the risk of elder abuse and nursing home abuse is to visit your family member as often as possible to watch for signs of abuse or neglect.
If you suspect nursing home abuse or elder neglect, report the abuse immediately to the authorities. You may also report the abuse to the Pennsylvania Department of Aging. Our Erie nursing home abuse attorney can also help you pursue legal action against the parties and the facility responsible for the abuse.
Could You Spot Elder Abuse or Nursing Home Abuse?
Nursing home abuse and elder abuse can take many forms. The elder can be abused verbally, physically, financially, emotionally, and sexually. The signs of abuse can be subtle and difficult to notice. However, understanding the signs of abuse can help you keep a very close eye on your loved one. Spotting nursing home abuse early can help reduce the risk of serious or life-threatening injuries or complications.
Some signs that can indicate abuse in a nursing home or assisted care facility include:
- Strong body odors or evidence of poor hygiene (dirty hair, nails, etc.).
- Unexplained loss of weight or refusal to eat
- Loss of interest in daily activities or activities the person enjoyed doing in the past
- Begging family members or other visitors not to leave
- Crying, depression, and anxiety
- Fear of staff members and other patients
- Sexually transmitted diseases or infections
- Lacerations, bruises, broken bones, and bedsores
- Missing money or personal property
- Trouble sleeping or changes in sleep patterns
- Confusion or aggression that is not associated with a mental condition or illness
It can be devastating to discover your loved one is being abused or neglected by the facility and the providers you trusted to provide a caring, safe, supportive home for your family member. You can get additional information about elder abuse and nursing home abuse from the National Center on Elder Abuse and the National Institute on Aging.
Filing a Nursing Home Abuse Lawsuit in Pennsylvania
Filing a personal injury lawsuit for nursing home abuse will not undo the harm or pain your loved one suffered. However, the lawsuit can accomplish several goals. It can provide compensation for damages that you can use to provide care for your family member. In addition, the lawsuit exposes the wrongdoers, so that other families may be able to avoid the abuse and neglect your loved one suffered at the hands of the caretakers and the facility.
Erie Nursing Home Abuse Attorney
Our Erie personal injury lawyer handles cases involving elder abuse and nursing home abuse. We are passionate about protecting elderly patients and advocating for their legal rights.
For more information, you can reach The Travis Law Firm by calling (800) 401-2066. We encourage you to take advantage of our free legal consultation to discuss your case with an Erie nursing home abuse attorney.