Protecting Your Loved Ones in Their Most Vulnerable Years
More and more commonly studies are revealing shockingly high reports of nursing home abuse and neglect. Abuse both physical and psychological can have a detrimental impact on the well-being of senior citizens who are often already struggling with many difficult age-related ailments. You should always consider speaking to an Orlando personal injury attorney immediately if you suspect that your loved one is the victim of nursing home neglect or abuse, but recognizing these problems can be difficult when so many nursing home patients are incapable of speaking up for themselves. Keep watch for these 5 common warning signs that your loved one may be neglected or abused:
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Poor Hygiene
A personal injury attorney in Orlando will most frequently see cases of elderly neglect more than abuse. Although the impact is not directly deliberate, victims of nursing home neglect often suffer an immediate decline in basic hygiene. When nursing homes become badly understaffed the workload for the remaining employees becomes stretched too thin and employees overlook important necessities in order to cut corners. The elderly and disabled often need daily assistance with bathing, grooming, and changing bed linens, tasks that quickly become neglected if the appropriate staff is not available. If you start to notice a shabby appearance, body odor, bed sores, or unkempt sheets, these symptoms are all signs of a serious issue.
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Poor Nutrition
Maintaining a proper diet is crucial to the well-being of many struggling with age-related illnesses. Your loved ones will require proper nutritional care if they are to avoid serious and sometimes fatal health problems. Unexplained nutritional deficiencies are often the result of both abuse and neglect and must be immediately remedied before critical health issues follow.
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Unexplained Injuries
Bumps, bruises, and breaks can quickly exacerbate the already weakened immune system that may often accompany old age. Do not be afraid to consult with an Orlando personal injury attorney if a nursing home injury seems unusual, suspect, or irresponsible. Many elderly patients are a known fall risk and are prone to breaking bones and damaging skin tissue than younger patients. Any “accident” is the responsibility of staff and doctors to correctly anticipate and prevent.
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Emotional Changes
Victims of abuse in any situation will often develop emotional trauma that noticeably changes their personality and behavior. Some victims will experience anxiety, stammers, and confusion, while others simply withdraw or develop other atypical personality changes. Abusers will often provoke their victims with fear, making them reticent to speak up or ask for help.
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Staff is Aloof, Dismissive, or Unhelpful
It is not unreasonable for staff to perhaps refer you to the doctor or request a moment to find the answer to any questions you pose. However, if the staff becomes increasingly avoidant to your questions or simply outright refusing to be of assistance, this may be a sign of a bigger issue. If the doctor and staff are unwilling to communicate with you, they may feel differently after a call from an Orlando personal injury lawyer.
Always Go With Your Gut
Nursing home abuse is a tragic occurrence that continues because so many of the victims are unable to speak up for themselves. If you feel as though something seems wrong, you are probably right. Do not hesitate to consult with any personal injury attorney in Orlando if the care of your loved ones seems inadequate.
