Hundreds of thousands of people age 65 and older live in the Pittsburgh area, many of whom reside in local nursing homes. The family members of these residents have entrusted their loved ones to the care of these skilled nursing facilities, and federal and state laws require that a standard of care be provided for nursing home residents to protect them from abuse and neglect. Unfortunately, nursing homes are commonly inadequately staffed, and employees may not be properly trained to handle the needs of residents, increasing the risk of abuse.
Residents may be unwilling or unable to communicate with their loved ones about the treatment they have received at the facility, leaving family members guessing as to whether abuse is taking place. Because of this, it is essential to be aware of the warning signs of nursing home abuse in Pittsburgh and understand how to take action against mistreatment. If you suspect your loved one’s nursing facility is acting negligently, contact a dedicated nursing home abuse lawyer from Bordas & Bordas Attorneys, PLLC today.
Potential Warning Signs of Nursing Home Abuse
One of the most common signs of nursing home abuse is the presence of unexplained injuries such as bruises, cuts, or even broken bones. Your loved one may be experiencing untreated bedsores, sudden weight loss, malnutrition, or dehydration that indicate neglect. They may also show signs of receiving too much or too little of prescribed medications, or exhibit psychological signs such as withdrawal from social activities, anxiety, or depression. Finally, your loved one may appear dirty or experience preventable falls that indicate abuse.
When evaluating your loved one for nursing home abuse in Pittsburgh, consider how the staff behaves and interacts with the resident and your family. Delaying or denying visits from friends or family members and frequent yelling or intimidation may indicate abuse. Similarly, nursing home staff seeming oblivious to the needs of our loved one could be a sign of negligence.
What to Do If You Believe that Your Loved One is Being Abused
If you suspect your loved one has been abused in a Pittsburgh nursing home, report your concerns to the administrative staff at the facility and carefully document any potential evidence of abuse. You may make unannounced visits to the nursing home to see how staff interact with your loved one when they are expecting guests. If you fear that someone at the nursing home is in immediate danger of injury or death as a result of abuse, contact the police.
If your loved one has been abused by nursing home staff, you may be entitled to file a personal injury claim against the facility. To get started, contact an experienced nursing home abuse lawyer from Bordas & Bordas Attorneys, PLLC. A lawyer from our firm could explain the process of seeking compensation for your loved one’s injuries and help you navigate the legal process.
Contact a Pittsburgh Attorney to Learn More About the Warning Signs of Nursing Home Abuse
As the Baby Boomer population ages and more people need the day-to-day assistance provided at local nursing homes, the frequency of abuse also increases. If you believe your loved one has been abused in their nursing facility, let our legal team help you understand your legal options. Contact us for a free case evaluation and to learn more about the warning signs of nursing home abuse in Pittsburgh.
