Living in a nursing home is a challenge because you have to count on other people to take care of some of your basic needs. While many workers in nursing homes care about the residents and take pride in making sure they’re healthy, there are others who harm residents.
In Michigan alone, it’s estimated that there are more than 73,000 older individuals who are victims of abuse. This is a tragedy that must be stopped one case at a time. One way this can happen is for loved ones of those who are in nursing homes to keep an eye out for signs that something is amiss.
Look for more than just bruising and marks
Sometimes, the abuse that elderly residents of nursing homes are dealing with are deeper than what you can see. Emotional abuse is a real concern for these individuals. This may occur in conjunction with other forms of abuse, but it doesn’t always happen that way.
Emotional abuse can be difficult to spot. You have to look for subtle changes in the way the residents behave. Oftentimes, they seem to be withdrawn and might be unwilling to speak to you in front of the staff members. This is because the staff member might be threatening them or intimidating them.
It’s possible that emotional abuse can manifest into physical signs. Some residents who are dealing with this become somber and depressed. They may not participate in activities they once enjoyed.
Anyone who hasn’t received the proper care in a nursing home should determine what action to take. When abuse or neglect is an issue, residents may choose to seek compensation through a civil lawsuit. Work with someone familiar with these cases to reduce your stress and ensure your rights are protected.
