Signs of Nursing Home Abuse

Are your loved ones being taken care of?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, over four million Americans are admitted to or reside in nursing homes and nursing facilities each year. Unfortunately, with the large number of long-term care facility residents comes the increase in instances of elderly abuse and neglect. Although nursing home abuse is a pervasive problem in the United States, many incidents are not reported. Therefore, it is important for the loved ones of those living in long-term care facilities to be aware of the warning signs of nursing home abuse.

Types of Nursing Home Abuse

In addition to neglect, the most frequently recognized types of nursing home abuse are physical, emotional, sexual, and financial abuse. Examples of physical or sexual abuse include assault, battery, and rape. Nursing home residents who are being emotionally abused or neglected may be subject to restraint or seclusion, deprivation of food or water, and lack of care for their medical conditions. Elderly nursing home residents are particularly vulnerable to financial exploitation and may fall victim to financial abuse when a caregiver asserts control over their finances. Those working in the healthcare industry are in a unique position to commit healthcare fraud at the expense of nursing home residents.

Signs of Physical/ Sexual Abuse

• Broken bones or wounds, such as bruises, cuts, or burns
• Dehydration, malnutrition, rapid weight loss, or weight gain
• Bedsores, ulcers, or pressures
• Infections
• Changes in health, including the presence of a sexually transmitted disease

Signs of Emotional Abuse/ Neglect

• Sudden changes in behavior (fearful, antisocial, non-communicative)
• Imposed or voluntary isolation
• Unsanitary or uninhabitable living conditions
• Soiled clothing or poor hygiene
• An inhospitable, callous caretaker

Signs of Financial Abuse/ Healthcare Fraud

• Unpaid bills
• Relinquishment of control over finances to caregiver
• Unawareness of financial transactions
• Excessive diagnostic testing
• Superfluous medical equipment, treatment, or medical bills for services that were not provided

Federal regulations state that long-term care facilities must provide residents with comprehensive care, including providing residents with assistance for daily living activities; ensure that residents receive appropriate treatment; and promote residents’ quality of life. There are over 350 nursing homes in New Jersey, all of which must comply with this federal law as well as state and local nursing home laws. New Jersey has strict state laws that must be adhered for long-term care facilities to remain in business. If nursing home abuse is suspected for abuse or neglect of its residents, it may be prudent to tell the police and consult an experienced lawyer. Adult Protective Services may also be able to assist in investigating and evaluating the situation.

New Jersey Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers at Davis & Brusca, LLC Fight for Victims of Nursing Home Abuse

If you believe that your loved one has been the victim of nursing home abuse or neglect, contact a New Jersey nursing home abuse lawyer at Davis & Brusca, LLC. Long-term care facilities owe a duty of care to residents; nursing home abuse is an egregious breach of that duty and we believe that those responsible should be held accountable. Our offices are located in Princeton and Trenton, New Jersey and we represent victims throughout the state. Contact us online or call us at 609-786-2540 for a confidential consultation.