Although it can be difficult to place a loved one in a nursing home, it is often necessary when they are no longer able to safely take care of themselves. Many people will have to use the services a nursing home provides as they get older and most of the time they will be treated well. Unfortunately, nursing home abuse continues to be a problem in Louisiana. It is important for loved ones to know the warning signs of physical and emotional abuse. These include:
- Open wounds, bed sores or cuts
- Bleeding, bandages or bruising
- Hair loss
- Lack of cleanliness in living quarters
- Changes in weight
- Poor hygiene, urine or feces odor
- Serious infections
- Sudden anxiety in the presence of certain people
- Social isolation
- Complains about insults or threats
State and federal laws
It’s important to note that if you see any of the above warning signs, you may be seeing evidence that the facility has broken the law. Both state and federal laws regulate nursing homes, with requirements for cleanliness and more. And, of course, there may be criminal consequences if someone at the facility has physically abused patients.
Although it’s hard to imagine a situation in which a loved one is a victim of physical or emotional abuse it unfortunately happens to many Louisiana nursing home residents each year. If a family believes their loved one may be a victim of abuse, they may want to speak with an attorney who is skilled in nursing home negligence. An attorney can investigate the manner and advise their client on what their options may be within Louisiana law.