If your loved one is currently living in a nursing home, or will be entering one soon, it is important to you that they are being cared for to the best of the staff’s abilities. Unfortunately, the industry’s employment turnover rate is high, and it is difficult for many establishments to retain a sufficient staff of fully-qualified caregivers. For these reasons, it is common for seniors to experience different levels of abuse and neglect. So how do you know your loved one is in good hands? There are various signs of nursing home abuse and neglect that you can look out for if you suspect any maltreatment is taking place.

Continue reading to learn more about elder abuse and neglect, including common signs exhibited by patients, as well as, which steps to take if you are concerned about the standard of care at your loved one’s Indiana care facility.

What is Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect?

It is important to understand that the circumstances surrounding neglect can vary greatly, especially since it can happen both intentionally and unintentionally. Sometimes, a staff member is unaware of the level of care a patient requires because they are insufficiently trained, and as a result, neglect to meet the patient’s nursing needs, resulting in harm to the patient. In other cases, a staff member might be in denial about a patient’s true needs, or simply refuse to provide certain levels of treatment because they think it’s unnecessary. In egregious cases, staff deliberately abuse elderly patients, verbally, mentally, emotionally, or physically. Yet, regardless of intention, it is 100% immoral, unethical, unacceptable, and against the law.

Common Types of Elder Neglect

➤ Emotional – This type of disregard for a patient can occur in many forms, such as being yelled at or ignored or left alone for long periods of time. Verbal and mental abuse are also common examples of emotional neglect.

➤ Basic Needs – When a patient’s basic needs are not being met, whether intentional or unintentional, it can be described as basic needs neglect. Basic needs include things like food, water, bathroom, and being kept in a safe environment.

➤ Medical – Medical neglect can occur when a patient’s medical needs are not being met. This includes medical treatments, medications, or general attention and supervision.

➤ Personal Hygiene – Personal hygiene neglect can be another form of basic needs neglect. It can occur when a patient is denied the proper bathing, grooming, clothing changes, and other standard hygienic practices.

Possible Signs of Elder Neglect

The signs of elder abuse and neglect can be very obvious, entirely undetectable, or somewhere in between. It is important to pay close attention to your loved one in order to evaluate their quality of life and the level of care they are being given. Possible signs of elder abuse or neglect include poor hygiene, weight loss, mood changes, unexplained or mysterious injuries, decreased muscle strength, stiffness or lack of mobility, unsanitary conditions in the home, reduced interest in activities or companionship, anxiety, depression, and other drastic physical or emotional changes.

If you suspect that your loved one is a victim of elder abuse or nursing home neglect, it is important to discuss your concerns with a licensed Indiana personal injury lawyer right away. They can help you understand your legal options and recommend the best course of action for protecting your loved one.

Indianapolis Indiana Elder Abuse Lawyers Who Can Help Your Loved One

Call Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to speak with a personal injury lawyer about making a nursing home neglect claim in Indianapolis, Indiana. Attorneys Daniel Craven, Ralph Hoover, and Keith Blazek are extensively experienced and well-versed in Indiana elder abuse law, and can stand up to the insurance company and demand the maximum offer for your loved one’s damages. We offer free initial consultations to discuss your case and determine if you are entitled to remuneration for your family’s damages. As an added convenience for our clients, we never collect lawyer fees unless we obtain a settlement or verdict.