Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer in Pennsylvania

Nursing home staff, as well as other residents, can commit elder abuse. There are multiple ways in which a nursing home resident can be harmed. Be aware of these types of abuse and watch for potential warning signs that your loved one is in danger.

• Neglect: There are times when nursing home staff fails to provide appropriate care to a resident. This is a dangerous type of abuse because many residents in nursing homes need assistance with bathing, dressing and/or eating. Neglect can result in bed sores, malnourishment, weight loss and physical injuries. Be on the lookout for unexplained weight loss, bruises or other injuries resulting from frequent falls, extreme hunger, soiled clothing or bedding, and any other lack of hygiene.
• Physical abuse: Staff and/or other residents can commit physical abuse. Hitting, pushing, pinching or other forms of physical violence are possible types of abuse in a nursing home. Watch for any type of physical injuries sustained by the resident and always ask for an explanation of the incident that caused the injury. Ask your loved one how the injury occurred, and ask staff for documentation of the incident.
• Financial abuse: Staff and/or other residents can take advantage of vulnerable residents and/or steal from them. Staff may charge false fees for services; other residents may steal credit cards or checkbooks; or someone may convince your loved one to sign over valuable property or belongings. Be wary of any large purchases the resident makes, any strange withdrawals from bank accounts, and any changes in wills or trusts.
• Sexual abuse: Some nursing home residents have been victims of sexual abuse by staff members and other residents. Torn underwear, unexplained bruising, especially in the genital region, and sexually transmitted diseases might be signs of sexual abuse.