If you have a loved one in a PA or NJ nursing home, you undoubtedly want them to be safe and happy in the nursing home. Unfortunately, abuse and neglect often happen in PA and NJ nursing homes. Family members should be aware of signs of abuse or neglect, and some of them will be discussed below.
Bedsores
When nursing home residents are not being properly cared for, they may develop bedsores or pressure sores, which are injuries to the skin and underlying tissue from prolonged pressure on the skin.
For instance, a nursing home resident, who is confined to a bed and limited in her ability to change positions, needs a nurse or nursing home employee to help her change positions. However, the resident is neglected, and nursing home employees rarely come into her room to change her position. Therefore, she stays in the same position, i.e., lying on her back, for a long period time and she quickly develops bed sores.
Emotional Withdrawal
Nursing home residents who are neglected or abused may have emotional withdrawal. They may not talk as much as before, or they may not exhibit any emotions. There is a lack of emotional connection between the resident and their family.
Silence Around Caretakers
Nursing home residents may be silent around caretakers who are abusing them. For instance, a PA nursing home resident is very bubbly and loves to socialize. When her family members visit her, she seems happy and very talkative. However, when her nurse’s aide comes in the room, she suddenly stops talking and avoids eye contact with the aide.
Changes in Behavior
When nursing home residents are abused by nursing home employees or other residents, their behavior often changes. For instance, an outgoing and lively resident who would socialize with other residents may suddenly become very quiet and doesn’t want to do anything or leave his room.
Unexplained Bruises
Another sign of nursing home abuse is unexplained bruises. Family members may notice that their loved one has bruises on his arms or legs. When asked about the bruises, the resident says he fell and that it’s nothing. However, the family members notice that their loved one often has new bruises on his arms, legs or other parts of the body. The bruises may indicate abuse.
It’s important to note that nursing home abuse in PA or NJ is not perpetrated solely by nurse aides, nurses or other employees. The residents may be abused by other residents.
If you suspect that your loved one is being abused or that their rights are being violated, you need to report it to the proper authorities. If the loved one is in immediate danger, call 911. If the danger is not immediate, talk to the nursing home administrator about your suspicions. You can also make a report with the local Ombudsman’s Office.
It is also important to talk to a PA or NJ nursing home abuse/neglect lawyer who can best help you understand your loved one’s legal rights and ensure that a thorough investigation is conducted. Our PA and NJ nursing home abuse and negligence lawyers always offer a FREE, no obligation consultation. (215) 985-0777