If you have a family member or a loved one in a nursing home, you will want to monitor this person with care. This is to ensure the proper amount of treatment is being given and that your loved one is being treated well. Unfortunately, nursing home abuse is common in some facilities, and this should be looked for as well. Knowing the most common types of abuse will allow you to know what look for in your loved one.

Physical abuse

One of the easiest ways to spot nursing home abuse is if it is physical.  There will be signs of this abuse that are sure to show up over time.

Listed below are some signs to look for of this type of abuse:

1. Bruises, cuts or scratches on your loved one's body. You should complete a full body exam routinely to find any of these issues as quickly as possible.

2. Episodes of your loved one falling or supposedly doing so when they were actually harmed by a nursing home attendant.

3. You loved one showing fear when one of the staff members at the nursing home walks into the room.

Emotional abuse

Being mentally abused is just as detrimental to the confidence level of the patient as physical abuse. However, this type of abuse may be more difficult to spot.

Listed below are indications that emotional abuse may be going on:

1. Your loved one suddenly becomes withdrawn and doesn't want to be around others for long periods of time.

2.  Anxiety and nervousness become characteristics of your loved ones, and they weren't before.

3. The patient seems overly sedated each time you make a visit to the facility. This could be because the caregiver is keeping your loved one medicated.

Financial Abuse

When it comes to money and older people who are in nursing facilities, they should be watched with great care. Financial abuse may occur, and this could cause you loved one to lose money.

Listed below are signs to help you look out for this type of abuse:

1. Money was suddenly missing from your loved ones account.

2. Deeds or properties that have been transferred to a person at the nursing home without approval.

3. Changing the power of attorney to a nursing home care giver.

Finally, it is important to closely monitor your family member when they are staying in a nursing home facility. Be sure to rely on the expertise of a personal injury lawyer if you find any problems that may require legal action.  

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