Signs of Birmingham Nursing Home Abuse

Birmingham nursing home abuse often goes unreported because elderly patients fear reprisal from their abusers for exposing the abuse. Therefore, if you have a loved one in a long-term care facility, it is important to be aware of the signs of elderly abuse and neglect and check for them regularly. Some of the potential indicators of the different types of nursing home abuse include:

Physical Abuse

• Obvious physical injuries, such as scratches, bruises, cuts, burns, or puncture wounds.
• Indicators of physical restraint, such as rope burns, gag marks, or welts.  
• Injuries such as sprains, fractures, dislocation, and detached retina, especially if repeated or recurrent.  
• Conditions such as hypothermia, abnormal chemistry values (e.g., glucose, protein, etc.), or indications of pain when being touched.
• Injuries for which the caregiver can give no explanation, especially if repeated or recurrent.
•  Injuries for which the caregiver or patient gives inconsistent explanations.
• Any physical injuries you may notice that the caregiver has not disclosed.
• A pattern of taking the patient to different doctors or emergency rooms (i.e., emergency room “shopping”).
• Delayed medical treatment after an injury or fall, especially if repeated or recurrent.  

Psychological Abuse

• Displaying ambivalence, submissiveness, or shame.
• Exhibiting mild to severe anxiety or apprehension.
• Communicating feelings of depression, hopelessness, helplessness, or thoughts of suicide.
• Appearing to be confused or disoriented.
• Trembling, clinging, cowering, or failing to make eye contact with others.
• Giving evasive or ambiguous answers when questioned about signs of abuse or neglect.
• Showing signs of agitation or hyper vigilance.

Sexual Abuse

• Bruising or other trauma to the genital area.
• Contraction of a venereal disease.
• Infections or unusual discharge or odor in the genital area.
  
• Psychological abuse indicators may be present in sexual abuse victims.

Financial Exploitation

• Suspicious banking activity, such as large withdrawals, opening accounts at different banks, ATM activity in the account of a bedridden patient.  
• Financial statements, which are no longer received in the patient’s name.
• Documents presented to the patient to sign, the purpose of which the elder cannot understand or explain.  
• Caregivers seem more concerned about the patient’s financial well-being than his or her physical or psychological health.
• Valuable personal belongings that turn up missing from the elder’s possession.
• Suspicious or forged signatures on checks or other financial documents.
• Caregivers isolate the elder from friends and family.

Neglect

• Personal hygiene is lacking or neglected altogether.
• Sunken eyes, sudden weight loss, or other indicators of malnourishment.
• Chronic or recurrent physical or psychiatric health problems.
• Extreme thirst, disorientation, or other signs of dehydration.
• Bed sores.

Violation of Basic Rights

• Caregivers withhold or read the elderly patient’s mail or other correspondence.
• Religious observances such as dietary restrictions, participation in services, or visits with a minister, rabbi, or priest are interfered with or obstructed by the caregiver.
• Indicators of psychological abuse are often present when the patient’s basic rights are routinely violated.

If you believe your loved one may be the victim of nursing home abuse or neglect, contact an experienced Birmingham nursing home abuse attorney immediately. The experts at The Walker Law Firm will investigate every aspect of your case in order to hold the negligent parties liable for the abuse or neglect. Call 1-877-925-5373 today for a free initial consultation.

The Walker Law Firm is committed to upholding the quality of care in our long-term care institutions by taking swift legal action to compensate Birmingham nursing home residents and their families for injuries resulting from neglect or inadequate care. Only this way will the quality of care for all Birmingham nursing home residents be assured. If you feel that you or a loved one has been victimized by abuse or neglect while in the care of a senior citizen facility, call the Birmingham nursing home lawyers at Walker Law Firm now at  (877) 925-5373 or fill out our FREE CASE EVALUATION FORM. The initial consultation with a Birmingham nursing home injury attorney is free of charge, and if we agree to accept your case, we will work on a contingent fee basis, which means our Birmingham nursing home attorneys get paid for our services only if there is a monetary award or recovery of funds. Don't delay! You may have a valid claim and be entitled to compensate for your injuries, but a Birmingham nursing home abuse lawsuit must be filed before the statute of limitations expires.