Experienced Pittsburgh Nursing Home
If an elderly loved one of yours is living in a nursing home or another assisted living facility, it’s natural to assume that he is being treated well and receiving the care that he needs. In the vast majority of cases, it is absolutely true. Unfortunately, however, there are exceptions. While the signs of actual physical abuse are fairly obvious, the signs of nursing home negligence are usually less apparent. To ensure that your loved one is being treated well, you need to familiarize yourself with the signs of nursing home neglect.
If you suspect that your loved one is being neglected, you need to contact an experienced Pittsburgh nursing home abuse lawyer right away. The Law Offices of Samuel Fishman can help.
Nursing Home Neglect: Signs and Types
When elderly people are neglected in nursing homes, they are often unwilling or unable to speak out about it. In some cases, they are ashamed. In others, they are frightened. Elderly people who suffer from dementia or Alzheimer’s may be completely unaware that they are being neglected in the first place. That’s precisely why it’s up to their loved ones to ensure that they are receiving adequate care. Elder abuse and neglect come in many different forms. The most common types of nursing home neglect and the signs of each are outlined below.
Emotional Abuse – Emotional abuse can happen in a few different ways. It sometimes takes the form of verbal abuse. In that case, a senior may exhibit signs of being frightened or anxious. It can also happen when an elderly person is isolated and ignored. In that case, a senior may be depressed and withdrawn.
Hygiene – One common reason for a family to have an elderly loved one placed in a nursing home is because he is unable to handle his personal hygiene. Sadly, some nursing homes don’t provide the care that they are supposed to provide. If your loved one’s personal hygiene needs aren’t being met, he may smell of urine or feces. His dental hygiene may be noticeably lacking, and his clothes may be visibly soiled. It may be obvious that he has not showered in some time. This is nursing home neglect, and you need a talented Pittsburgh nursing home abuse lawyer to help.
Medical – Nursing homes are often charged with dispensing medication to elderly residents. If your loved one’s medication isn’t given in appropriate doses, or if it’s not given at appropriate intervals, his health may decline. Nursing home personnel are also supposed to keep seniors as active as possible. If that’s not happening, your loved one may experience bed sores and declining health. Supervision is also critical in a nursing home. Without it, serious falls can happen at an alarming rate. This is a common sign of elder neglect.
Basic Needs – At the very least, you would think that a nursing home would make sure that elderly folks receive adequate nutrition and live in a safe, clean environment. Unfortunately, that’s not always true. If your loved one refuses to let you visit or see his room, something may be amiss. If he is visibly losing weight, he may not be receiving adequate nutrition.
Defend Your Loved One’s Rights by Contacting the Law Offices of Samuel Fishman Now!
If you suspect that any of the preceding types of nursing home neglect are happening to your loved one, you need an experienced and qualified Pittsburgh nursing home abuse lawyer by your side. The Law Offices of Samuel Fishman will investigate your case and help you file a lawsuit. We will work to help your loved one get the compensation that he deserves.