Broomfield Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer
Nursing homes should be trusted places for vulnerable people to receive care, attention, and support. Unfortunately, some residents are subjected to abuse ranging from financial exploitation to physical harm.
If you have a loved one in a nursing home or assisted living facility, learning to recognize the warning signs of abuse is crucial. There are several types of nursing home mistreatment, including physical, emotional, sexual, financial, and neglect.
To find out more about the legal steps to take if you suspect abuse, contact a Broomfield nursing home abuse lawyer. Our compassionate personal injury attorneys are here to support your case.
Why it is Important to Recognize Signs of Abuse
Knowing the signs of nursing home abuse is essential for family members who want to protect their loved ones. Abuse may show up in physical, financial, or behavioral changes. These serve as red flags, and understanding them can help family members identify mistreatment early on and take quick action to prevent prolonged harm.
Physical Abuse
The physical signs of abuse include unexplained injuries like bruises, cuts, and broken bones. While older adults often lose their balance and may be more prone to falls and other injuries, frequent or repeated ailments should raise red flags, especially if the caregivers offer inconsistent or vague explanations.
Physical signs can also point to neglect. When family members visit, even unplanned, their loved one should be clean, well-tended, in clean clothing, and well-hydrated. Poor personal hygiene, signs of malnutrition, and dirty clothing could indicate potential neglect.
Emotional Abuse
Not all evidence of abuse is physical. It can show up in behavioral and emotional changes. Signs of withdrawal, sudden move changes, and increases in fear, anxiety, or depression are all potential warning signs of abuse.
If a loved one seems to respond with fear, agitation, or anger around a particular caregiver, that can strongly indicate that something may be happening. Additionally, residents who seem reluctant to speak in front of caregivers or the nursing home may be experiencing intimidation and mistreatment.
Sexual Abuse
Sexual abuse can be particularly challenging to detect, and many vulnerable people are reluctant to report it. Torn clothing, sudden pain, sexually transmitted diseases, and bruising or bleeding in sensitive areas are all potential red flags. Victims may also show signs of increased agitation, withdrawal, or fear around particular caregivers.
Financial Abuse
Look for sudden changes in bank accounts, uncharacteristic withdrawals, or unexpected alterations to wills or other documents. Family members should also monitor a loved one’s finances for suspicious activity.
If a person is anticipated to continue declining, they may want to prepare an irrevocable trust before entering a nursing facility. It is an excellent way to protect their assets from financial abuse. Schedule a consultation today for more information or to partner with a Broomfield nursing home abuse attorney.
Consult a Broomfield Nursing Home Abuse Attorney
A knowledgeable attorney is one of your most valuable tools if you suspect that your loved one is being abused. They can help you investigate whether mistreatment is occurring, gather evidence, and take appropriate legal action.
A Broomfield nursing home abuse lawyer might suggest a lawsuit to protect future potential victims. These can help bring attention to the situation and make a positive change for others experiencing the same mistreatment. Call our law office today to learn more.