Nursing homes are can provide a safe and friendly environment for an elderly individual who can no longer care for themselves at home. However, this may not be the case in all nursing homes.
Some nursing home staff members are responsible for injuring the patients in their care, either intentionally or negligently. Nursing home abuse can come in various forms, including physical, verbal, or sexual abuse.
It is important to know what warning signs to look for when a loved one is admitted to a nursing home. The signs are mentioned below:

• Bedsores on the elderly person’s body
• Unexplained injuries like bruises, cuts, or broken bones
• Unusual smell in the nursing home or other signs of unsanitary conditions
• Change in the pattern of behavior of the loved one

If any of these symptoms are present, the individual that has admitted the elderly person to the nursing home should immediately talk to the nursing home management and bring light to the issue so that it can be resolved. However, if the nursing home management is not able to provide assistance, a claim must be filed.
A claim for such issues can be filed either with the local Department of Health or an attorney can assist a client in filing a civil claim to compensate for the elderly patient’s injuries.
After the claim has been lodged, an investigation is conducted to ensure that the issue is resolved immediately. If an issue is present, it is corrected and compensation may be provided to the elderly person that has suffered the abuse.
Nursing homes are a place where elderly people can live out their lives in peace and harmony but in order to ensure that harmony, the individual responsible for the elderly person should be mindful of signs of nursing home abuse.

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.