Emotional Abuse
Emotional abuse is sadly a common form of elder abuse at nursing homes, but it is much harder to identify. Staff members may abuse residents by humiliating, embarrassing, insulting, or isolating them. Warning signs that your mother is being emotionally abused include
- Emotional agitation
- Anxiety
- Withdrawal from her daily activities
- Exhibiting sudden nervous behaviors
- Not communicating with you and others
Financial Abuse
If a staff member or resident steals from a resident, they are engaging in financial abuse. Signs this is happening to your mother include unexplained withdrawals or transfers from her bank account, missing possessions or money, and your mom’s unwillingness to talk about money or her financial matters with you.
Sexual Abuse
Unfortunately, your mother could also be the victim of sexual abuse. Warning signs to look for include torn or stained clothing, diagnosis of a sexually transmitted disease, anxiety, depression, and unexplained bruising.
Nursing Home Neglect
Nursing home neglect happens when a staff member fails to provide property care to a resident. Your mother could be experiencing nursing home neglect if you see these symptoms:
- Dehydration
- Malnutrition
- Sudden weight loss
- Lack of physical hygiene
- Missed medications
- Untreated health conditions, such as bed sores
- Depression or anxiety
- Unsanitary living conditions
Steps to Take If You Suspect Your Family Member Is the Victim of Nursing Home Elder Abuse
If you are worried that your mother is experiencing elder abuse at her nursing home in St. Louis, you can take the following steps to protect her:
- Remain calm. While you may be understandably upset if you think your mother is being abused, showing your anger to the nursing home will not help you solve the problem and could put your mother in further danger.
- Talk to the staff. Report your concerns to the manager or the nursing home director.
- Get medical help for your mother. If your mother is experiencing a medical emergency, you should call 911. Otherwise, make sure your mother is seen by a health care provider who is unaffiliated with the nursing home. This provider can help get your mother the necessary medical treatment and document her injuries.
- Report the abuse. You should file a complaint reporting the abuse your mom is experiencing with the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services. You should also contact the police if you believe a crime was committed.
- Talk to your family member. Try to discuss your concerns with your mother. Let her know that you are here to help her.
- Take notes and photos. Keep notes of what you witness and your discussions with the nursing home staff and your mother. Also, take photos of any evidence of nursing home abuse that you observe.
- Retain an attorney. You should consult with our elder abuse lawyers at Bollwerk & Associates LLC as soon as possible. We can help you take the proper steps to protect your family member’s legal rights. We will also litigate their case if we cannot reach an out-of-court settlement for the compensation they deserve for their injuries or the statute of limitations will expire soon.
