What Injuries at a Nursing Home Could Be Considered Abuse?

Nursing home abuse is a common problem in nursing homes worldwide. This type of abuse includes any abuse that befalls elderly residents living in long-term care housing. Trapp & Geller are Chicago nursing home abuse lawyers you can contact for help with your nursing home abuse concerns. If you’re not sure that you have a case, here are some things to consider.

First of all, not all abuse is physical. You might not see signs like broken bones or bruises. Mental abuse is just as damaging as physical abuse. For example, locking a patient away in seclusion for no good reason is a form of abuse. A patient should only be secluded when they pose a serious danger to other patients. Other than that, keeping a person locked away is a form of mental torture.

Secondly, physical abuse doesn’t always produce scars or bruises. Instead, you can look for changes in behavior such as depression, withdrawal, fear, nervousness, and agitation. Some elderly people are unable to express themselves verbally, so it helps to pay close attention to behavioral changes.

But in addition to behavioral changes, you can watch for physical damage, such as unexplained bruises, cuts, wounds, or scars. Bedsores are also sometimes signs of nursing home abuse.

Some elderly patients are unable to speak for themselves. Or perhaps they’re simply too afraid to speak out. This is why it’s important to watch for any signs of abuse. If you suspect something is wrong, then immediately seek help. Dial 911 if anyone is in immediate danger. Also, contact your local adult protective services.

Getting Legal Help

Once the elderly person is out of immediate danger, you might want to contact a lawyer for help. Trapp & Geller are Chicago nursing home abuse lawyers ready to help with your case. We’ll help get justice for your abused loved one.