What are the Signs and Symptoms of Nursing Home Abuse in Columbia?

November 2, 2019

Moving your loved one into a nursing home is one of the hardest decisions you’ll ever make. You research a half dozen facilities and finally choose one that promises to keep your mom or dad safe and well-cared for. You have no reason to doubt that they’re being sincere. However, no matter how great a nursing home seems, it’s only as good as its weakest link. Some people get into nursing for the wrong reasons. They want to make money, but they don’t really want to take care of people. This can lead to nursing home abuse, and you may need a lawyer for nursing home abuse in Columbia.

Most families, even with the best of intentions, don’t get to visit their family when they’re in a nursing home. They may get there a few times a month. This means that they may not notice that their loved one has been neglected or abused until some time passes. That’s why it’s so important that you be aware of the signs and symptoms of nursing home abuse sooner rather than later.

If you suspect that your mom or dad is being abused, you need to call an experienced nursing home abuse lawyer in Columbia, South Carolina right away.

Your Columbia Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer Knows the Signs of Physical Abuse

One of the most common types of nursing home abuse is physical abuse. It’s also the easiest type of abuse to see. All you have to do is hug your loved one and you’ll notice things like weight loss and broken bones. However, there are some ways you an abuse someone without it being obvious.

Some of the signs of physical abuse include:

  • Broken bones
  • Dislocation
  • Sprains
  • Bruising and welts
  • Signs of restraint
  • Broken eyeglasses

Again, most of these things are obvious. But older people tend to wear layers of clothing because they get cold easily. You have to be careful when you check to make sure they’re okay.

How Can You Spot Neglect in Your Loved One?

If your loved one is being neglected, it’s not hard to detect as long as you know what you look for. When someone’s being neglected, you can’t always see it physically. Sometimes, it takes other forms. Here are some of the signs and symptoms of nursing home neglect:

  • They’re left alone in a public place
  • They’re not clean and don’t smell very pleasant
  • They’re left to sit and lie in their own waste
  • Their clothes aren’t clean and are soiled
  • They seem withdrawn and sad
  • They have unexplained weight loss
  • They have bedsores

If you suspect your loved one has been the victim of neglect, you should call your nursing home abuse lawyer in Columbia. They know the signs of nursing home neglect. They also know the reputations of the local facilities. They can give you a better idea of what your loved one may be going through.

Can Your Loved One Actually Be Financially Abused?

Sadly, it’s not just physical abuse you have to worry about. Your loved one could also be the victim of financial abuse. Some people who work as nursing assistants don’t make a lot of money. They may be tempted to help themselves to your parents’ belongings.

Some of the ways your loved one could be a victim of financial abuse include:

  • A change in their financial situation
  • Unexplained withdrawals from their checking or savings accounts
  • Missing valuables or cash in their room
  • Unusual debits on their account

If you see any of this, you need to call an experienced nursing home abuse lawyer. They’ll help you go through your loved one’s checking account to see if anything looks strange. They can also demand the nursing home provide records of any expenses your loved one had at the home.

Contact an Experienced Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer in Columbia

The fact that someone would abuse your elderly relative is unimaginable. The last thing you should have to worry about is whether or not they’re being treated properly. If you suspect your loved one is being abused or neglected, you need to contact an experienced nursing home abuse lawyer.

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