What are the signs of nursing home abuse or neglect to look out for? Although a number of things might indicate that there are problems, common signs of possible trouble include:
- bedsores;
- soiled bed linen or the smell of feces or urine;
- unexplained bruises or cuts;
- use of physical or chemical restraints;
- changes in mood or disorientation, often due to improper medication;
- weight loss; and
- unexplained fear or anxiety.
Prevent Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect
Trust your feelings. People can often sense trouble before they can identify a specific problem. Don't ignore your instincts. In nursing homes, the most common cause of neglect is the lack of sufficiently trained staff. More disturbing, some nursing home employees take advantage of the elderly under their care. Cases of theft, assault, and even sexual assault of nursing home residents have been reported. Although such examples of outright abuse are rare, they are serious, and you should be alert for signs of trouble.
If you suspect that the residents of a nursing home may be abused or neglected, follow up. A good checkup is the surprise visit, when the nursing home is not expecting you. This allows you to see how the home operates on a daily basis, rather than just the days when someone is coming to visit. When visiting, get to know the staff. Staff members can be an excellent source of information about the happenings in the home. If you do clearly what is expected. If a nursing home resident is in serious or immediate danger, DO NOT WAIT. Dial 911 to contact local law enforcement authorities. For cases where the abuse or neglect does not present an immediate danger, the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services and the Texas Department of Human Services both handle nursing home complaints. Contact DFPS on its 24-hour hotline at (800) 2525400 and DHS at (800) 458-9858. On the Internet, you can also go to www.txabusehotline.org. If the abuse or neglect is criminal, the Attorney General or local law enforcement agencies may become involved. You may need an attorney to represent you or your loved one, investigate the matter and take the legal action necessary to protect your loved one and to recover any damages that you deserve.