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The decision to put a loved one in a nursing home is not easy. However, most people ultimately decide to move their loved one to a home, based on the idea that it is in an older adult’s best interest if we want them to be safe, healthy, and happy. Sadly, this isn’t always the case, as there are many cases of residents experiencing abuse from staff or other residents.
If you have a loved one living in a nursing home, knowing the warning signs of nursing home abuse in Indianapolis is essential if you want to protect them from harm. The nursing home abuse attorneys at McCready Law want to help you understand what to look for and offer practical advice on handling it if you suspect abuse is occurring.
Elder abuse in nursing homes can take many forms. Nursing home abuse claims often arise from neglect, such as not ensuring residents’ safety or failing to provide necessary care. However, this is not the only type of abuse that happens in these long-term care facilities. Other common types of abuse include:
The critical thing to remember is that abuse can take many forms, and elderly loved ones may not always be willing to admit they are being abused. In fact, because of age, mental illness, or physical limitations, they may not even understand that the staff is abusing them.
It is typically left to the family and friends of nursing home residents to recognize abuse and do what they can to make it stop. This means staying alert to changes in how the loved one acts and looks during visits and talking to them about their care. Family members should also be aware of the warning signs of abuse.
Signs of elder abuse are not always easy to see. Many people will not admit to being abused because they fear retaliation, feel shame, or depend on the abuser. They may also have physical or mental impairments that make it difficult for them to report incidents when they happen.
A nursing home resident who cannot speak for themselves should have family and friends looking out for them. This means understanding the warning signs of nursing home abuse in Indianapolis, both obvious and subtle. Some possible signs of elderly abuse include:
There are also issues within the nursing home that can indicate neglect is occurring. For instance, that might include failures to:
A nursing home promises care and provision for every patient. Any neglect of basic needs and safety procedures is a form of abuse in nursing homes.
It can be challenging to see abuse in Indianapolis nursing homes. Elderly individuals affected by abuse may display one or more signs of it, and family members can sometimes misinterpret what they see, attributing it to their loved one’s instability or health issues. Legal counsel is crucial here.
Signs of abuse are as unique as the people suffering from it. What might be seen as a warning sign for one person might not be true for another. If you suspect a problem, consult a personal injury lawyer to evaluate whether abuse may be occurring, as this is sometimes the only way to discover what is happening when you are not there.
At McCready Law, we have seen the pain that elder abuse can cause families and we want everyone to stay informed. We urge families in Indianapolis to know the warning signs of nursing home abuse, and if you suspect there is a concern, contact us for legal advice on how to stop it and get compensated for your loved one’s losses.