Warning Signs of Nursing Home Abuse in New Jersey

Nursing home abuse and neglect are unfortunately common. The employees of these facilities have a duty to residents to protect them from harm, but not everyone upholds this responsibility. The consequences of this negligent treatment can be harmful or even deadly.

Given what is at stake, it is crucial that you understand the warning signs of nursing home abuse in New Jersey. If your loved one lives in one of these facilities, a skilled nursing home abuse attorney could advise you of your legal options.

Signs of Physical Abuse

The unfortunate reality is that physical abuse is a common occurrence in nursing facilities. It can happen when staff or even family members get frustrated or annoyed with their patients. Often, this involves acts of violence like striking, biting, or kicking someone. It can also involve the unnecessary use of physical or chemical restraints on a resident.

The obvious signs of physical nursing home abuse in New Jersey to look for are unexplained injuries, including broken bones, bruising, or lacerations. If the staff attributes injuries to an accident that does not seem plausible, it is time to look further into the matter.

Signs of Emotional Abuse

Not all forms of abuse leave a physical mark. Some of the most important warning signs of abuse in New Jersey nursing homes to be aware of are those involving emotional harm. These incidents can involve bullying or harassment of a nursing home resident, often at the hands of those hired to care for them. Emotional abuse can also take the form of being ignored, given the silent treatment, or other forms of humiliation.

Unlike physical abuse, there are no obvious visible signs of emotional mistreatment. There are many situations where a resident might not admit to suffering abuse even when it appears something is wrong. Some signs to look for include becoming withdrawn or uncommunicative. Major changes in someone’s personality are also an indication of abuse.

Financial Abuse

Nursing home residents are also frequently the victim of financial abuse. This could be something as simple as having their property stolen from their room, or it could involve complex fraud related to real estate or their will.

When residents continue to manage their own finances while living in these facilities, it is a good idea to review those transactions and make certain nothing is out of place.

Signs of Sexual Abuse

Sexual abuse can also occur in a nursing home setting. Many residents do not have the capacity to consent to sexual conduct or the ability to report these incidents when they happen. This makes it more important than ever for New Jersey residents to know the signs of nursing home abuse.

In sexual abuse cases, a common sign is unexplained injuries to private areas or sexually transmitted diseases. Some of these acts will have limited proof outside of witness testimony, particularly in cases involving voyeurism or exposure.

Discuss the Signs of Nursing Home Abuse With a New Jersey Attorney

If you are concerned that your family member is being neglected or mistreated, it is crucial for you to know the warning signs of nursing home abuse in New Jersey. An attorney could help you recognize the signs and pursue legal action on your loved one’s behalf in order to make things right. Reach out as soon as possible to learn more from an experienced attorney.