Recent U.S. Senate hearings highlighted the number of elderly and disabled Americans who suffer from abuse and neglect in nursing homes. Signs of abuse and neglect may be physical or emotional. Common physical signs of abuse or neglect include:

Pressure sores (also known as bed sores or decubitus ulcers)

Broken bones and/or unexplained falls

Excessive and sudden weight loss (malnutrition)

Extreme thirst or dry mouth (dehydration)

Unexplained bruises or welts

Pneumonia

Poor personal hygiene

Unexplained or unexpected death of the resident

Each year, thousands of senior citizens are abused, neglected or exploited in nursing homes and assisted living facilities. Many victims are frail, vulnerable and cannot help themselves, depending upon the nurses and staff to meet their most basic needs. Many of the problems that arise in nursing homes and assisted living facilities can be traced to lack of staffing or inadequately trained staff. Lack of proper supervision or assistance can also lead to problems, such as residents who fall and suffer broken bones and closed head injuries or residents who wander from the facility and are injured or killed. Our law firm represents victims of nursing home abuse and neglect and their family members.

For more information on this subject, please visit our Nursing Home Resource Center.

If you have a loved one who has been a victim of abuse or neglect in a nursing home or assisted living facility, contact us online or call us toll free at 1-800-320-2384 to set up a FREE consultation.