Elder abuse is unfortunately one of the challenges that some families must face when a loved one is a resident in a Virginia nursing home or assisted living facility. If you are concerned about the treatment that your loved one is receiving in an elder care facility, then you should be aware of the signs of abuse and neglect.
Signs of physical elder abuse
· Bruises and discoloration of the inner arm or inner thigh
· Thumb or finger print bruises on the body
· Choke marks on the neck
· New and old bruises on the same body part
· Any strange markings or unusual bruising
· Cigarette or rope burns
· Scratches, cuts, or pinch marks
· Broken bones or fractures
· Black eye or other facial injury
· Unexplained vaginal or anal bleeding
· Torn, stained or bloody under clothing
· Bruises or other markings around the breasts or genitals
· Unapproved use of physical restraints
Signs of elder neglect
· Stained or torn clothing
· Poor dental hygiene
· Dirty fingernails or uncut nails
· Feces or urine on the person or in the bathroom
· Unexplained weight loss
· Bedsores (especially on heels, elbows, shoulder blades or buttocks)
· Inadequate staffing levels or low staff levels at night or on weekends; high staff turnover; inexperienced or poorly trained staff
Signs of financial abuse
· Sudden or unexpected changes in the resident’s financial situation
· Large withdrawals from the resident’s accounts
· Personal items missing
· Strange changes to a resident’s will, power of attorney, title or other policies
· New names on the resident’s signature card
· Unusual financial activity (i.e. ATM withdrawals for a bedridden resident)
· Services or goods purchased in the resident’s name but clearly not intended for the resident
If you are concerned that your loved one may be being abused or neglected at a Virginia nursing home, please don’t hesitate to ask for help. You can contact the Warrenton or Culpeper attorneys at Dulaney, Lauer & Thomas to discuss your case for no cost or obligation.