As your loved ones age, it may be necessary to move them to a place where they can receive constant care. This is hard enough decision to make, but when you add in the possibility that elder abuse can take place, it can be devastating. However, it may be necessary. If you do have a loved one in care, you should be able to trust that they are being treated kindly and well.
That said, you should also be on the lookout for potential signs that they are not being treated this way. Keep reading to learn more about signs that they may not be being treated well. Then contact The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker at 800-333-0000 if you have reason to believe they are being abused.
Obvious Signs That Your Loved One is Being Abused
Some signs of elder abuse are easy to see and should instantly concern you. First is personal hygiene. One of the main jobs of the people you have entrusted to care for your loved one is to ensure that they are brushing their teeth, bathing, combing their hair, or having these done for them. If your loved one has signs of poor personal hygiene then it could be a sign that more serious neglect is taking place.
Second, look at the state of the facility. There are both federal and state laws covering how safe and sanitary a nursing home or assisted care facility must be. If the place your loved one is in is obviously not clean, then it is possible that other requirements of care are not being met.
Weight Loss and Reduced Mobility Are Other Common Signs of Abuse
Two signs of abuse that you may not automatically associate with elder abuse include weight loss and reduced mobility. Both of these are often not realized as elder abuse because they can so easily be considered just normal symptoms of aging.
While it is true that weight loss can be common amongst the elderly, note that if it happens suddenly or without apparent reason, then it can be a sign that the person in question is not getting the nutrition they should be getting. It could be a health issue, it could be that they are having difficulty swallowing, or another innocent reason. However, it could be caused by staff denying your loved one the food they need.
Likewise, while reduced mobility can be common amongst the elderly, if it is sudden, extreme, or unexpected then it may be a sign that the person in charge of your loved one is abusing them or not assuring they get necessary access to exercise and movement.
If you have noticed any of these or other signs of elder abuse then there are several steps you can take, one of which is to contact a personal injury attorney. At The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker we are very familiar with these cases and can help you determine if and how the abuse is taking place. Call us now at 800-333-0000 for a free legal consultation.
