Signs of Elder Neglect

    PHOENIX, AZ, August 05, 2010 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Elder neglect is one of the most common forms of nursing home abuse, and it accounts for up to half of all nursing home injuries suffered by residents each year. If you have a loved one currently residing in a nursing home, you need to be familiar with signs of elder neglect so that you can make sure they are getting the care they deserve.

Passive Neglect

There are two different types of elder neglect. Passive neglect occurs when an older individual is ignored extensively or restrained for a long period of time. This type of neglect can come in the form of placing an older person in a wheelchair in a corner and preventing them from being able to leave. Passive neglect also occurs when cries or other requests are ignored because the staff doesn't believe the resident really needs help.

Active Neglect

An elderly person can also be actively neglected. Active neglect is terrible and it can occur when food and water is placed out of reach of the resident so that they can't eat. Overmedication can also be a form of active neglect because sedatives and other medication can be used as chemical restraints.

No family should have to go through the hardships of discovering their loved one is being neglected at their nursing home. To make sure your older family member is receiving the care they deserve, some of the signs of neglect include:

- Bed Sores - These can be caused by failing to reposition older people in beds and leaving them in the same position for too long
- Broken Bones - Older residents that require assistance to move around may try to get up and move on their own if they're being neglected; falling and breaking bones
- Weight Loss - This can be caused by both overmedication as well as malnutrition from not getting the food they need
- Depression - If it seems like your loved one is overly depressed, it may be because they are being ignored and treated poorly
- Dementia - This could be caused by too many medications and leaving the resident alone in their room for extended periods of time

Elder neglect is a serious crime, and if it persists for long enough, it can lead to serious medical problems, severe malnourishment, and even wrongful death. Personal injury lawyers assist families who are recovering from the injuries a loved one has suffered at a nursing home or even a wrongful death.

If you live in the Phoenix, Arizona area and you feel that your older family member has been or is being neglected, please visit the website of the Cullan & Cullan M.D., J.D. today at www.stopnursinghomeabuse.org to learn more about elder neglect and how you can stop it.

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