Nursing home abuse gets a lot of media attention. After all, what’s more abhorrent than some of the most vulnerable members of society being physically, emotionally, or even sexually abused by the people who are supposed to take care of them?
However, residents don’t have to be actively abused by staff members to suffer in their care facilities. Another significant problem that residents face is neglect. This can be even more debilitating than abuse, as it’s not always immediately obvious but can cause more serious and wide-reaching consequences, including potentially fatal health complications.
Because neglect typically doesn’t show up as cuts, bruises, or lacerations, it’s important for residents’ family members to be on the lookout for other symptoms, including:
- Weight loss or dehydration—Pay attention to your loved one’s overall appearance. If they appear gaunt, thin, or dehydrated, it may be because they aren’t getting enough food to eat or liquids to drink.
- Poor personal hygiene—Residents should receive personal hygiene items to keep themselves clean. Or, if they’re unable to do so themselves, they should receive frequent baths from staff members. Foul odors or general uncleanliness can indicate neglect.
- Unexplained worsening of health—Because many nursing home residents are elderly or already in poor health, it’s common for some to decline over the years. But when it happens suddenly or with no explanation, it may be due to lack of medical care, attention, or access to medications.
If you notice these signs, or if you simply suspect anything out of the ordinary with your loved one, don’t hesitate to contact our Virginia nursing home abuse lawyers. At Lowell Stanley Injury Lawyers, it’s our goal to help victims and their loved ones get maximum compensation.
