When you put your parent, spouse, or other loved one in a nursing home, you are trusting its staff to look after their needs and health with the utmost degree of care. It can be devastating to discover a caregiver or administrator violated your trust.
According to a 2020 report by the World Health Organization (WHO), about one in six adults over age 60 experienced abuse in a care facility during the previous year. Likewise, two out of three staff members admitted to committing some form of abuse during the same time period.
There are many signs your loved one may not be receiving the proper care in their nursing home. It is important to recognize the warnings so that you can prevent nursing home abuse and neglect. One tell-tale sign of harm is a lack of proper hygiene, which can lead to diseases, infections, and other health problems.
If your loved one has suffered harm in their nursing home, a Savannah soiled clothes or other signs of poor hygiene lawyer may be able to help. To learn more, call Pintas & Mullins Law Firm.
Signs of Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect
Unwashed hair, dirty clothing, or lack of regular bathing all could be signs of nursing home abuse and neglect. Another warning sign is a lack of help with toileting or changing disposable diapers. Having to remain in soiled clothing is not only humiliating and cruel but also unsanitary and can cause skin irritation and bedsores.
In general, poor physical hygiene is dangerous and can lead to other health issues, including infections, parasites, and skin diseases. Neglected dental hygiene can even lead to conditions like cardiovascular disease and pneumonia, according to Mayo Clinic. If your loved one’s hygiene needs are not being met, it could indicate a substandard level of cleanliness for the entire nursing home.
In addition to a lack of proper hygiene, other warning signs of abuse and neglect include:
- Malnutrition and dehydration
- Lack of mobility assistance
- Lack of assistance when eating and drinking
- Unexplained bruises, cuts, sores, or other injuries
- Weight loss
- Excessive instances of falls or accidents
- Improper or infrequent wound care
A family also should be alert to changes in their loved one’s behavior. Depression, lack of interest in activities, acting withdrawn, trouble sleeping, aggressive and violent behavior, or signs of trauma, like rocking back and forth, could indicate abuse is taking place.
According to the National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA), a survey of 2,000 nursing home residents found that 44 percent reported being abused, and 95 percent said they had been neglected or witnessed neglect. It is important for families to know and recognize the signs.
If you suspect your loved one has suffered abuse, you should describe the incident in detail in a written report. You can submit this report to the nursing home’s administration. You may also wish to file the report with local authorities, adult protective services, or an agency that advocates against elder abuse.
The Georgia Department of Community Health regulates nursing home facilities. You can make a report with the Department by calling us. A Savannah soiled clothes or other signs of poor hygiene lawyer can help you with your claims. If you witness an emergency or see abuse while it is happening, call 911.
Forms of Nursing Home Abuse
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are several types of abuse.
Neglect
Neglect is the failure to meet residents’ basic needs, like providing food, water, clean clothing, and medical care. Sometimes, neglect is unintentional and could be because the nursing home is understaffed, or the staff is not adequately trained.
Physical Abuse
Physical abuse is the intentional use of physical force against a resident. This includes hitting, kicking, pushing, slapping, burning, or inflicting other injuries. This type of abuse can lead to illness, functional impairment, and even death.
Financial Abuse
This is the illegal and unauthorized use of a resident’s financial assets. It could include the theft of a resident’s money, belongings, property, or Social Security benefits.
Sexual Abuse
This is any type of unwanted sexual activity, inappropriate touching, sexual harassment, or sexual coercion.
Psychological Abuse
This includes name-calling, verbal and non-verbal threats, humiliation, ridicule, threats of punishment of deprivation, and isolation.
Often, abuse is committed against those most vulnerable to harm. Many nursing home residents have chronic physical and mental conditions that make them totally dependent on another’s care. These same ailments may also make it difficult to report abuse to family members, staff, or other authorities.
For a free legal consultation with a Savannah Soiled Clothes or Other Signs of Poor Hygiene Lawyer serving Savannah, call (800) 794-0444
How Pintas & Mullins Law Firm Can Help
If your loved one shows signs of improper hygiene or other indications of nursing home abuse, a Savannah soiled clothes or other signs of poor hygiene lawyer can help you seek financial awards for their suffering.
You may be able to seek compensation for their medical treatment, including doctor visits, hospital stays, medications, and more. You may also seek awards for their pain and suffering, including stress, anxiety, and mental anguish. If your loved one dies because of abuse, you may be able to seek damages for wrongful death.
To learn more, contact Pintas & Mullins Law Firm for a risk-free consultation.
Call or text (800) 794-0444 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form