Leonard S. Slavit | February 12, 2025
Nursing home neglect and abuse is a disturbingly common trend, with an estimated five million seniors experiencing harm in nursing homes every year, according to the Nursing Home Abuse Center. Protecting your loved ones from this kind of abuse means recognizing the signs of it when it happens. Here are some of the signs of nursing home neglect and abuse that you should be wary of:
- Your loved one is left in dirty linens or clothing
One of the first potential signs of nursing home neglect is that your loved one has been left in dirty linens or clothing. This can be a sign that they are not being cleaned or having their linens changed often enough, which can increase the risk of illness among nursing home residents. - Your loved one has suffered unexplained injuries
Another issue to watch out for is if your loved one has suffered any injuries that nursing home staff cannot adequately explain. Anything from bruises or cuts, to more serious injuries like broken bones, may be a sign the staff is not paying enough attention to their residents. - Your loved one’s money is disappearing
Sometimes, nursing home neglect and abuse is not physical or psychological, but financial. If your loved one has money disappearing from their possession, or if they have unexplained expenses, it may be a sign they are being financially exploited. - Your loved one’s condition is worsening despite supposed treatment
One of the core responsibilities of nursing home staff is to make sure their residents’ medical conditions are adequately managed. If their conditions are getting worse, it may be a sign the medical staff is not providing them the care they need, or that they have made serious errors when it comes to their care. - Your loved one has developed bed sores
Bed sores, also known as pressure ulcers, only come about when someone is left in a single position for a prolonged period of time, although they can worsen more quickly if someone is malnourished, dehydrated, or left in soiled clothing. As such, bed sores are a near certain sign of potential nursing home neglect. - Your loved one has restraint marks on their body
Typically, nursing home residents are not supposed to be physically restrained, even if they are rowdy or suffer from issues like rolling out of bed. Thus, if your loved one has restraint marks on their body, it can be a sign they are being neglected or abused. - Your loved one is averse to members of the staff
Many people in nursing homes have poor memories, but they may still recall if certain staff have physically or psychologically abused them. As a result, you should be suspicious if you see your loved one reacting negatively to certain members of the staff, as it may be a sign of nursing home neglect or abuse.
If you or someone you love has been injured due to someone else’s negligence, seeking the advice from an attorney experienced in personal injury law will help assure you get the compensation you deserve. The lawyers at Levine and Slavit, PLLC assist clients in New York City and Long Island in obtaining the damages they need to cope with being the victim of negligence. For more information or to schedule a consultation with our New York personal injury lawyers, call (212) 687 2777 or fill out our contact form.