What Are Subtle Signs of Nursing Home Neglect?

 Posted on October 06, 2021 in Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect

Every senior who relies on a skilled nursing facility for their daily care has the right to be treated with respect and to have their basic needs met, every day. Sadly, this is not always the case. If your loved one resides in a nursing home, you may be worried about how to make sure they are being adequately cared for. Now that many nursing homes are beginning to allow in-person visitation again after COVID-19 lockdowns, it may be wise to make note of a few subtle but common signs that a nursing home resident is being neglected. 

If you suspect that your loved one is being neglected in a nursing home, contact a qualified attorney. Your loved one may be entitled to compensation, and an attorney will be able to help you navigate any steps you may need to take to protect them. 

What Signs May Indicate Neglect of a Nursing Home Patient? 

Signs of purposeful abuse, like major unexplained injuries or a loved one who reports being yelled at, may be clear. Signs of neglect can be harder to spot, at least until the neglect has caused major health problems for the victim. Here are some more subtle signs of nursing home neglect to look out for during your visits: 

• Poor Personal Hygiene - Nursing homes have a duty to care for the hygienic needs of their residents. Have your loved one’s teeth been brushed, or their dentures cared for? Is their diaper being changed in a timely manner? Are they wearing clean clothes?

• Sudden Mood or Behavior Changes - While behavioral changes related to aging are commonly seen in nursing home patients, abrupt changes can be a sign that the needs of your loved one are not being met. Do they seem depressed or fearful? Have they become suddenly withdrawn? Do they seem embarrassed about their personal appearance? 

• Unexplained Weight Loss - If your loved one seems to be losing weight rapidly and it is not explained by a medical condition, it could be a sign that your loved one is not receiving adequate nourishment. Your loved one could need a special diet or assistance eating that they are not receiving. 

• Repeated Falls or Injuries - If your loved one has fallen or been injured, it can be difficult to tell if this was the result of abuse, negligence, or just an accident. However, repeated falls or injuries - even minor injuries, like scrapes and bruises - can indicate that a resident’s safety needs are not being adequately addressed. 

Call a Chicago Nursing Home Neglect Lawyer

If you suspect that your loved one is being neglected in a Chicago-area nursing home, call a Hyde Park nursing home neglect attorney. Kadzai Law Group, LLC, is experienced in handling nursing home neglect and abuse cases and will fight to recover any compensation you or your loved one may be entitled to. Even if the neglect seems minor at the time, it can have serious health consequences for your loved one. Do not hesitate to seek help if you suspect neglect in a nursing home. Call 312-229-0050 for a free consultation. 

Sources: 

https://www.carepathways.com/articles/signs-of-elderly-neglect-or-abuse-in-nursing-home.cfm