Employees owe a duty of care to protect the residents of assisted living facilities from harm. When visiting relatives at a nursing home, family members may check loved ones for symptoms of possible abuse. By knowing the warning signs, families may help stop elder abuse or file a legal action to recover.
As noted by Healthline, elder abuse may occur at home or in a nursing home. The abuse may come from facility employees or in-home caregivers. In some cases, it may even come from a family friend or relative.
Family members may recognize various signs of elder abuse
Elder abuse comes in different forms, and families may not always detect some types of harm. Nursing home patients may, however, show visible signs of physical abuse such as having bruises or cuts. Elders who appear unkempt or too thin may have neglectful caretakers.
Seniors experiencing repeated emotional abuse may not show physical injuries. Depression or displaying a withdrawn demeanor may, however, reflect symptoms of a tense relationship. Asking a senior loved one how their caretakers respond to their requests for help may reveal signs of verbal mistreatment. Reviewing a senior relative’s finances may uncover patterns of financial abuse.
Families may hold nursing homes accountable
Under California’s Penal Code, inflicting physical or mental pain on vulnerable adults violates the law. Employees causing harm to elders such as by abandonment, abuse or neglect may face criminal charges.
Families experiencing issues with a long-term care facility may file a legal action to recover damages for injuries sustained by a loved one. Submitting reports to regulators may also help stop abuse from continuing to harm other seniors.