Some Nursing Home Abuse & Neglect Warning Signs

As our loved ones age, they often require specialized care and attention, leading many families to entrust their well-being to a nursing home or other long-term care facility. Unfortunately, not all facilities provide the safe and nurturing environment they promise. If you’ve noticed unexplained bruises, lacerations, or broken bones on your elderly family member, it’s crucial to understand the potential warning signs of abuse or neglect and know your legal rights.

Why Bruises, Lacerations, or Broken Bones May Be Common in Elderly Individuals

Bruise wound on senior people wrist arm skin, Falls injury accident in elderly old man.[/caption]

As people age, they become more susceptible to falls and injuries due to decreased bone density, reduced muscle strength, and balance issues. Minor bumps can easily result in bruises or lacerations, and falls can lead to fractures. However, not all injuries are benign or accidental. Sometimes neglect or abuse is a factor in your loved one’s unexplained injuries. If the source of the injury was not observed or can’t be explained by the resident or nursing home staff, federal law requires nursing home facilities to classify it as “an injury of unknown source.” The classification should also include whether the injury is suspicious due to the severity of it, where the injury is on the body, or the number of injuries observed. Anytime a resident has “an injury of an unknown source,” the facility should launch an investigation.

When a Bruise, Laceration, or Broken Bone May Be a Red Flag

doctor puts a plaster on the arm of a patient in the hospital with a broken arm[/caption]

While some injuries can occur naturally, unexplained or frequent bruises, lacerations, or fractures should raise concern. Injuries in unusual places, such as on the inner arms, thighs, or face, or a pattern of repeated harm, may indicate abuse or neglect. It’s essential to distinguish between normal accidents and signs of mistreatment.

Types of Injuries

Bruises – Not all bruises are caused by abuse or neglect but if your loved one lives in a long-term care facility and has multiple bruises, or has continual unexplained bruises, it may be a cause for concern.

Fractures – As people age their bones may become brittle due to arthritis, osteoporosis, or diabetes. Because of this, nursing home facilities should take extra steps to protect residents from falls. This means following strict protocols when transporting, dressing, or handling residents. If your loved one has experienced a broken bone at a nursing home, it’s important to get all the facts. Was your loved one dropped because a caregiver failed to follow protocol? Did they fall due to a lack of supervision or hazardous conditions? Were they restrained unnecessarily or handled roughly? All of these can be signs of neglect or abuse.

Lacerations – Accidents happen, but if your loved one has experienced a deep laceration that requires stitches or immediate medical attention, or they have continuous unexplained cuts or lacerations, it may be a sign of abuse or neglect.

Legal Rights of Nursing Home Residents

Nursing home residents are protected under federal and state laws, which guarantee their right to receive appropriate care, free from abuse and neglect. These rights include the right to:

• Dignified treatment
• Freedom from abuse, neglect, and exploitation
• Adequate and individualized healthcare
• A safe and clean living environment

Signs of Abuse or Neglect

In addition to physical injuries, other signs of abuse or neglect include:

• Sudden changes in behavior or mood
• Withdrawal or fearfulness around certain staff members
• Poor hygiene and unsanitary living conditions
• Weight loss or dehydration
• Bedsores or other untreated medical conditions
• Heightened anxiety or depression

Conyers Nursing Homes Have a Responsibility to Protect Residents

Nursing homes have a duty to create a safe environment for all residents. This includes:

• Adequate staffing to ensure residents’ needs are met
• Proper training for all staff members
• Thorough background checks during the hiring process
• Regular monitoring and supervision of staff and residents
• Structured care plans and protocols for caring for each resident
• A well-managed facility
• Prompt response to any injuries or health conditions
• Prompt response to any signs of abuse or neglect

Failures in Protocol That May Lead to Injuries

Several factors can contribute to injuries in nursing homes:

• Understaffed Facilities: Insufficient staffing can lead to inadequate supervision and delayed responses to residents’ needs.
• Lack of Training: Untrained staff may not know how to manage residents safely, increasing the risk of injury.
• Poor Hiring Practices: Failing to conduct background checks can result in hiring individuals with histories of abuse or neglect.
• Bad Management: Ineffective management can lead to oversight failures and a culture that tolerates mistreatment.

What to Do If You Discover Bruises, Fractures, or Other Injuries on Your Loved One

If you notice any unexplained injuries, take the following steps:

1. Document the Injuries: Take photographs and note the location and severity of the injuries.
2. Report Your Concerns: Immediately notify the nursing home management and request an explanation.
3. Seek Medical Attention: Ensure your loved one receives appropriate medical care for their injuries.
4. Contact Authorities: Report suspected abuse or neglect to local authorities or a state regulatory agency.
5. Consult a Skilled Nursing Home Abuse Attorney: An experienced attorney can help you understand your legal options and pursue justice for your loved one.

How a Skilled Conyers Nursing Home Abuse Attorney Can Help

A knowledgeable nursing home abuse attorney can investigate the circumstances surrounding your loved one’s injury, hold the responsible parties accountable if abuse or neglect is found, advocate for your loved one’s rights, help you obtain compensation for medical expenses, pain, and suffering; and ensure that the nursing home implements necessary changes to prevent future issues.

At Dan Chapman & Associates, we are dedicated to protecting the rights of Conyers nursing home residents. If you suspect that your loved one is a victim of abuse or neglect, contact us today for a free consultation. Let us help you ensure their safety and well-being. You can reach us by phone at 678-831-8875 or fill out our contact form and someone will be in touch soon.