One of the most difficult decisions you might ever make is deciding if or when to place a loved one in a nursing home. Pittsburgh is home to a large assortment of nursing homes, many of which provide high quality care.
However, there is always a risk that your elderly family member is living in a facility where nursing home abuse occurs. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if you could prevent nursing home abuse before it ever had a chance to harm your loved one? By watching for the warning signs of abuse below, you may be able to do just that.
- Poor personal hygiene such as wearing dirty clothes and smelling like urine
- Sudden and unexplained weight loss or dehydration which could signal neglect
- Unexplained injuries, bruises or bone fractures
- Sudden lack of interest in activities they once enjoyed
- Withdrawal, displays of guilt or shame and depression
- Disorientation, drowsiness or confusion, possibly due to overmedication
- Frequent falls or other accidents that proper care can prevent
- Unusual wounds or the development of bedsores
The list above does not cover all signs of nursing home abuse, but it can help you get started on learning more about these issues. If abuse of your elder is a concern for you, seek legal guidance right away.
These actions are not just immoral — they are illegal in all states. Swift action can save your loved one from further harm while also giving you a way to hold all responsible parties to account for their abuse.