Is your elderly loved one in a nursing home? While nursing homes can provide a comfortable residence and excellent medical care for residents, sometimes bad people or bad facilities result in abuse. Here are three signs that you may need to contact a nursing home abuse lawyer in Phoenix, AZ.
Physical Injuries
The most obvious sign that your elderly loved one is being abused is the presence of lacerations, bruises, or other injuries. It’s not uncommon for nursing home patients to injure themselves through falls or accidents, but frequent injuries and inadequate explanations from staff are red flags to watch for.
Sudden Behavior Changes
If your normally chipper loved one suddenly becomes withdrawn, depressed, anxious, or angry, you should be concerned about abuse. However, it’s important to rule out other causes of behavioral changes like physical illness, mental illness, or dementia.
A skilled nursing home abuse lawyer in Phoenix, AZ can work with doctors and psychologists to help you figure out what’s going on with your loved one.
Avoiding Specific Employees
Your loved one avoiding specific employees at their nursing home is another sign of abuse. If your loved one is capable of answering questions, ask them why they are suddenly fearful of certain staff members.
Keep in mind that nursing home residents may lie or hide things if they are embarrassed or ashamed of the abuse or if they want to protect the employees who are abusing them.