No matter where it occurs or what the circumstances are, elder abuse is tragic and it is unacceptable. It is also against the law. What can be even worse is when a family member discovers that their loved one was being hurt without their knowing it. It can feel devastating to find out that it could have been stopped much earlier and serious injury could have been prevented.
At The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker, we have unfortunately seen many cases of elder abuse. We know the most common symptoms and we know what to do if you see them. If you believe or know that your loved one has been the victim of elder abuse, call us at 800-333-0000 for a free legal consultation. Keep reading to find the five signs that most likely indicate something is not right.
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- Your loved one has bedsores
The fact of the matter is that a person who does not get out of bed needs to be moved on a regular basis. If they are not, then it does not matter how cozy the bedding may be – bruises and welts can form. These are known as bedsores. It is actually fairly easy to prevent them and if your elder is getting even minimal care at their facility then bedsores should not be possible.
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- Malnutrition
As people age, they often have less of an appetite. However, this does not mean that the staff at a nursing home does not have a responsibility to ensure their patients are getting enough food to stay healthy. Hydration is essential too. If your loved one complains of hunger or thirst every time you see them, then they may be in danger.
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- Injuries without a satisfactory explanation
If your loved one has bruises or cuts then there should be an explanation for them. It does happen that a person stumbles out of bed and hurts themselves, or bumps into something. However, if you keep seeing these happen over and over again, or if there is no explanation, then it is likely a sign that something is remiss.
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- Your elder is fearful or depressed
If you notice that your elder’s mood has changed, particularly if they have become depressed or fearful when they were not previously, then they may be suffering from physical or emotional abuse.
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- A wrongful death accident
It is often the case that a nursing home is the final home for an older member of society. That does not meant that every death that happens in a nursing home was not preventable. If your loved one has passed away without warning and under suspicious circumstances, then it is worth talking to an attorney.
You can reach The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker at 800-333-0000 for a free legal consultation today. We are here to help you find the best way forward. We will carefully assess your case and let you know what your legal options are.
