Warning Signs of Nursing Home Abuse in Los Angeles

Choosing a nursing home for a loved one is often a big step. Many families discuss their options for a long time before arriving at a decision they think they can trust. When those nursing homes abuse their residents, it can cause immense challenges, not only for the abused senior but also for their loved ones. Learning to recognize the warning signs of nursing home abuse in Los Angeles can help family members better protect their loved ones. Our nursing home abuse attorneys could help your family take legal action.

Unexplained Injuries

Unexplained injuries are one of the top warning signs of nursing home abuse in Los Angeles. When a senior suffers injuries while under the care of the nursing home, the facility should have a clear explanation for how and why those injuries occurred. If the nursing home cannot provide that explanation, it may indicate that the injuries occurred because of negligence or abuse.

Changes in Mood or Attitude

Some seniors may struggle with an increased risk of depression after moving into a nursing home. However, if a senior seems sullen, upset, or distant, it could indicate that abuse is occurring. Furthermore, increased depression or anxiety may also indicate that abuse has occurred.

Withdrawal

Many seniors will not directly report suffering abuse in a nursing home setting. Instead, they may withdraw from contact with family members. They may not want to reach out and communicate, feeling that they should handle their problems on their own instead of “burdening” the family.

Fear or Reluctance with Specific Staff Members

If a nursing home resident in Los Angeles shows signs of fear or reluctance to engage with specific staff members, it could indicate that the staff member is abusive. A senior who cowers away from those staff members or withdraws when they enter the room may feel frightened of that individual. Abuse can take either physical or emotional forms; however, seniors may react the same to both types of abuse.

Untreated/Poorly Treated Medical Conditions

Many seniors choose nursing home care because they have medical conditions they can no longer manage on their own at home. However, when nursing home staff members fail to offer the care they need, the symptoms of those conditions may increase instead of getting better. Family members should pay particular attention when a condition that was previously managed just fine starts to show a substantial increase in overall symptoms.

Unmet Physical Needs

In many cases, seniors who suffer neglect in nursing homes will have obvious signs of unmet physical needs. That may include things like:

• Signs of malnutrition
• Regular dehydration
• Poor hygiene
• Lack of cleanliness in the room

Monitoring for signs of neglect in a Los Angeles nursing home can help loved ones protect their relatives and step in when needed.

Contact an Attorney After Noting Warning Signs of Nursing Home Abuse in Los Angeles

If you have noticed warning signs of nursing home abuse in Los Angeles, notify the nursing home as soon as possible, then reach out to a lawyer to learn more about your options and your loved one’s rights. An attorney could help you understand your next steps, including how to document signs of abuse and how to ensure that your loved one does not suffer more than necessary. Reach out to Levin & Nalbandyan Trial Lawyers today for a free case review.