Baton Rouge Nursing Home Abuse Law Firm

What is so alarming about nursing home abuse is that many families don’t realize that their loved one was suffering from abuse until it is too late. Fortunately, there are some warning signs that families can watch for. What are some signs of nursing home abuse?

• Behavioral Changes in Your Loved One. If your loved one appears depressed, withdrawn, sad, or frightened, this could be a sign that something might not be right. However, behavioral changes alone might not always be a sign that something is wrong. Individuals suffering from Alzheimer’s or other conditions could also suffer from these changes. You know your loved one best, though, and if you have a doubt about your loved one’s care, you can always follow up with your family member’s doctor.
• High Staff Turnover and Overworked Staff. Have the nurses and people who work at the nursing home been there for years or only for a short period of time? Do staff appear overworked, busy, or tired? How long is a typical shift? Do staff have adequate supplies to care for your loved one? Long hours, high staff turnover, and staff that isn’t available to answer your calls or answer your questions clearly is a bad sign.
• Injuries That Have No Clear Explanation. If you notice injuries in your loved one, and the staff at the nursing home can’t give you clear answers about where the injuries came from, this is also a bad sign.
• Lack of Sanitation. Your loved one should be bathed and clean when you come to visit him or her. Many elderly and disabled people in nursing homes rely on staff to provide for their basic daily care and needs. If the nursing home itself shows signs that it isn’t clean, this could be indicative of staff that may be overworked, or staff that may not be vetted to properly care for the elderly or disabled. If the conditions of the nursing home itself aren’t sanitary, this can also be a problem.
• Any Other Inexplicable Decline. If your loved one suffers from any other form of inexplicable decline, like suddenly suffering from more falls, suddenly takes a turn for the worse without any clear medical explanation, or expresses concerns about the nursing home to you, this could be a sign that abuse might be taking place.

If it is possible, talking to your loved one about nursing home abuse is also important. Speak to your loved one in private and ask him or her if he or she feels safe. If you suspect nursing home abuse, you can report the incident to local police to make a police report. You may also be able to seek compensation from the nursing home for your loved one’s medical expenses, pain and suffering, and other losses your family may have suffered as a result of your loved one’s injuries. Miller Law Firm is a nursing home abuse law firm in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, that may be able to help you navigate the claims process. If you have noticed signs that a loved one has been potentially abused in a nursing home, you can always speak to our lawyers to help you understand your rights and the next steps you may be able to take.