When you place a loved one in a nursing home, you expect them to receive top-quality service and protection. Instead, some elderly residents face abuse and neglect in assisted-living facilities. Because older individuals with medical conditions often cannot protect themselves, it is up to their families to take action.
Understanding the warning signs of nursing home abuse in Philadelphia can help you take the right steps to protect your loved one. The legal team at Marrone Law Firm, LLC could help you identify the abuse and initiate a case against the at-fault parties. Call our skilled nursing home neglect attorneys to discuss your suspicions today.
The warning signs of nursing home abuse are not always straightforward. Because of this, residents’ relatives must be especially attentive to changes in their loved ones’ behavior. Some of the key signs of abuse in Philadelphia nursing homes include the following.
Bruises, cuts, fractures, or burns without a clear explanation can be a sign of abuse. These injuries may signal ongoing mistreatment if they occur repeatedly and appear to be in various stages of healing.
Sudden withdrawal, fear, depression, or anxiety in residents are often signs of abuse. Nursing home residents becoming unusually quiet, avoiding eye contact, or acting uncomfortably around certain staff members can indicate mistreatment.
Poor personal hygiene, dirty clothing, or an unclean living environment could signal neglect. If a resident has unbrushed hair or dresses in soiled clothing, staff members could be failing to provide proper care.
Noticeable weight loss, dry skin, or cracked lips could signal a lack of food and water. Malnutrition and dehydration are serious forms of neglect that can lead to severe health complications.
Bedsores (pressure ulcers) develop when a resident stays in the same position for too long. These sores, along with frequent infections, may suggest that the nursing home does not provide essential medical care to its residents.
Nursing home abuse is not just physical or emotional—it can also be financial. Unusual activity on a resident’s bank account could suggest they are a victim of financial exploitation.
When you begin to notice the warning signs of nursing home neglect or abuse in Philadelphia, you need to act quickly. Start by removing the resident from the facility and taking them to a healthcare professional. All issues and treatment must be documented to take legal action.
Next, speak to an attorney. A qualified lawyer could help gather evidence and build a case against a negligent facility or individual staff members. They could assist with filing a personal injury claim or a medical malpractice lawsuit for compensation.
You need to protect your loved one if you have noticed warning signs of nursing home abuse in Philadelphia. After removing them from immediate danger, file a lawsuit and recover damages. To do so properly, work with a competent attorney from Marrone Law Firm, LLC.
Our firm has decades of experience helping nursing home residents and their families fight for the money they deserve. To schedule a free consultation, contact us at any time.