Signs of Elder Neglect
Elder neglect is a terrible form of nursing home abuse that can be stopped if it is detected. Unfortunately, there are nursing homes that neglect their patients when their families are not present, only to appear caring a helpful when a patient's visitors are there.
Nursing home neglect accounts for about half of all cases of nursing home abuse; the effects of nursing home neglect can be terrible. To make sure your loved one is not suffering from neglect, you need to take note of the signs of neglect they may be exhibiting:
- Weight Loss – Nursing home staff could be abusive and purposefully keeping food out of reach of patients
- Depression – Long periods of neglect and isolation can take a toll on elderly residents, making them severely depressed
- Poor Hygiene – When nursing home staff neglects the basic needs of residents, they may be unable to wash or use the bathroom correctly
- Untreated Bed Sores – these are evidence that the nursing home resident has not been repositioned in their bed
While neglect may be active and intentional, passive neglect can be just as dangerous and injurious. Nursing home staff could be passively neglecting your loved one by ignoring their cries for help because they don’t think help is actually needed.
No matter what the case may be, if you believe an elder family member is being neglected at their nursing home, please contact the experienced nursing home abuse attorneys who are also doctors at Cullan & Cullan today to schedule an initial consultation at (602) 786-8860.