Signs of Nursing Home Abuse & Neglect
If you suspect the caregivers at the nursing home, assisted living facility or other long-term care facility are abusing or neglecting your loved one, start taking notes about what you are seeing, when, and what you are being told has happened.
Is Your Loved One Showing Signs of Abuse & Neglect? Let’s Talk.
At Nash & Franciskato Law Firm, our lawyers believe in treating our elderly with respect and care and providing them with the best quality of life in their golden years.
In general, some signs to watch for (not an inclusive list):
- Bruising. The skin of the elderly is more sensitive and fragile making it easy to bruise. Ask questions if you see finger-shaped or handprint-shaped bruises or bruises that could have been caused by a fall.
- Bedsores (pressure sores). If your loved one can get up and around yet has bedsores, he or she is spending too much time in the same position.
- Behavioral changes. This might manifest as unexplained withdrawal, depression, or agitation.
- Dehydration symptoms: Warning signs include confusion, difficulty walking, fatigue, dry skin, and dark urine.
- Falls. Know how the staff handles falls, immediate care, follow-up care, and how they communicate with you.
- Medication/health management: Avoids providing medication, poor wound care, lack of mobility assistance, and untreated health conditions.
- Personal care/hygiene. Make sure your loved one is well-groomed, appropriately dressed for the season, and appears to be well-nourished.
- Smells. There are the “normal” smells of a nursing facility; however, if it smells musty or reeks of urine then you might question how well the facility is being cleaned.
- Unsanitary living conditions: When nursing home staff members fail to maintain clean and sanitary environments, residents may be at risk of health complications.
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Staff Behavior to Watch for
The following staff behavior may indicate neglect or abuse (but not always):
- Insufficient supervision: A common form of nursing home neglect is a lack of supervision for nursing home patients.
- Delayed response to calls: Length of time to respond to calls, etc., might indicate a staffing problem.
- Poor communication with family: Not enough communication with family members can mean a nursing home lacks the staff necessary.
- High staff turnover: High staff turnover is always a warning sign.
Is It Time to Take Legal Action?
Is your loved one showing signs of abuse?
If your elderly loved one has been mistreated or suffered injuries because of nursing home abuse or neglect, put a stop to it immediately. The first step is to relocate him or her to a safe environment and then seek legal guidance.
In the Kansas City area, the attorneys at Nash & Franciskato are experienced in recovering financial compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and emotional trauma. We are your advocates and the voice for your elderly family member, fighting to stop his or her pain and suffering.
Our personal injury legal team gives you:
- Over 80 years of combined experience
- Trusted legal advisor committed to your needs
- Free, no-obligation review of your case
- Super Lawyers for over 10 years
- The AV Preeminence Rating for Ethical Standards & Legal Ability
- Compassionate advocacy for you and your family
Contact us at (877) 284-6600 for a free, no-obligation case evaluation.
Receive a Free Evaluation from Experienced Nursing Home Abuse Attorneys
The attorneys at Nash & Franciskato have experience handling nursing home lawsuits. We will review the circumstances of your loved one’s treatment and guide your legal options. We want to help protect his or her rights. Contact us for a free no-obligation review of your case.
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Editor’s Note: This page was originally written and published on April 18, 2016; it was reviewed for content and accuracy on January 14, 2025, and republished at that time.