PHYSICAL ELDER ABUSE ATTORNEY IN CHARLESTON, WV

Adults in nursing facilities may be more vulnerable to elder abuse for a number of reasons, including:

• Cognitive impairment disorders such as Alzheimer’s or dementia
• Disabilities
• Social isolation

Older people particularly may become increasingly fearful if there is continued abuse. If your loved one exhibits things like:

• Bruises, lacerations, or other “minor” injuries
• Other injuries, such as joint dislocations or sprains
• Signs of internal bleeding or injuries
• More serious injuries, such as pressure marks or sores, burns/rope marks, abrasions, or broken bones
• Open wounds or untreated injuries in various stages of healing
• Broken glasses
• Sudden change in overall health and/or hygiene
• Refusing meals
• Unexplained weight loss
• Sudden incontinence (a sign of distress)
• Emergency room visits
• Claim of abuse by the elder
• Physical signs of restraint or other punishment
• Lab reports indicating an overdose or under-administration of prescribed medications
• Sudden emotional changes, such as depression, anxiety, or withdrawal
• Changes in alertness
• Fear or anxiety in the presence of caregivers
• Stops talking, or is afraid of talking, or refuses to discuss your concerns for them
• An ever-present caregiver who refuses to allow you time alone with your loved one

You may need to investigate how the facility treats them. Patients are often threatened with retaliation if they speak up for themselves and don’t want to say anything for fear of “making things worse.” Take any claim of mistreatment seriously. Elder abuse can triple their risk of premature death, as well as need additional medical expenses like emergency care and psychotherapy.

Staffing shortages may also lead to patients lacking proper care. For instance, if a resident needs help with a bathroom trip but doesn’t get assistance, he or she may attempt to go on their own. This can lead to falls, broken bones, and other injuries that may be dismissed or attributed to a different reason, like falling.

In other cases, nursing home staff attribute injuries or illness to “old age” in order to deflect attention from neglect or abuse.

Visiting your loved one frequently goes a long way in preventing elder abuse. It shows that the person is being watched and cared about, especially if they are unable to communicate themselves.

Although these incidents are unusual, they do happen with some frequency. That’s why it’s important to visit often and pay attention to your loved one’s condition every time you visit.