When we help our loved ones choose a nursing home, we hope that the nursing home will become a home away from home. Sometimes, because nursing homes are understaffed and persons in a nursing home are often defenseless, abuse happens. 
If you see signs of nursing home abuse, it is important to seek legal counsel immediately, not only to preserve evidence, but also to be sure that the abuse ends and your loved one can be properly treated. The Law Offices of d’Oliveira and Associates, P.C., are prepared to help if a loved one has suffered nursing home abuse.
Because the communication abilities of nursing home residents is often impaired, you have an ongoing need to make sure that your loved one is receiving proper care and is treated with respect. There are four main types of nursing home abuse.
1. Physical Abuse 
Physical abuse may be in the form of slapping, pushing, punching, bruising, shaking, or sexual abuse. Other forms of physical abuse include unreasonable restraint, being forced to stay in one’s room, not giving appropriate medication, giving too much medication, deprivation of food, water, bathing assistance, or toileting assistance.
2. Emotional Abuse
Emotional abuse includes causing humiliation, fear, anger, sadness, helplessness, and the like.
3. Neglect
Neglect occurs when someone’s basic needs aren’t met such as medical attention, food, clothing, shelter, bathing, toileting, and the like.
4. Financial Abuse
Financial abuse occurs when someone’s personal property is taken or they are forced or tricked into signing legal or financial documents.
Signs of Nursing Home Abuse

• Bruises, skin tears, bed sores, broken bones, cuts, or any other injuries anywhere on the body
• Cuts, bleeding, and/or bruising in the genital area
• Any injury requiring emergency medical attention or hospitalization
• Any broken bone, especially a hip
• Any injury or death occurring during or immediately after a loved one has been left unattended, such as when someone wanders outside
• Sudden withdrawal or depression
• Heavy medication or sedation
• Fast weight gain or fast weight loss
• Seeking isolation from others, even loved ones
• Threatening, insulting, or frightening family members and friends
• Unusual behavior such as sucking, biting, or rocking
• Extreme agitation or upset
• Missing personal property or money
• Fear
• Dirty conditions
• Failure to prevent infections, bed sores, dehydration, and malnutrition
• Frequent illnesses not reported to medical doctors

Where to get help if a loved one has suffered nursing home abuse
The Law Offices of d’Oliveira and Associates, P.C., are prepared to help if your loved one has suffered nursing home abuse. We understand the anger and frustration you feel and we know how to work within the legal system to fight for your loved one’s rights.
Email us or call now for FREE case evaluation.
For your convenience, our telephones are answered 24 hours a day and 7 days a week (1-800-992-6878). CALL NOW.
If your loved one has suffered nursing home abuse, he or she may be able to receive financial compensation.