Elder abuse happens when adults aged at least 60 years old suffer harm from a negligent or intentional act. Committing elder abuse may constitute a single act, a repetition of an offense or a combination of offenses.
According to the Maryland Department of Aging (MDOA), around 5 million Americans suffer from elder abuse, exploitation or neglect every year. Among the places where elder abuse can happen is a nursing home. Accidents and violations may take place there, including nursing home falls. If your parent is in a nursing home, how can you tell if they are suffering from a fall?
Warning signs of an unreported fall
Experiencing a fall may lead to unexplainable fractures or injuries especially in the hips or legs. In more serious falls, there could be concussions or other traumatic brain injuries. In addition, other signs include the loss of balance as well as unexplainable wounds and bruises.
Additional signs of a possible fall
A fall can also cause an older adult to refuse to walk, move and participate in normal activities. They may also show anxiety or fear regarding their balance and mobility.
Other forms of elder abuse
Aside from checking on their physical condition, the children of nursing home patients must also look into their parents’ emotional and mental well-being. Among the signs of nonphysical abuse include having unusual sleep patterns and suffering from depression. Meanwhile, the other forms of elder abuse to look out for are financial exploitation and sexual abuse.
Pursuing compensation and healing
Older adults need care and support as they become more vulnerable in the latter stages of their lives. If your parents are among those who experience neglect in nursing homes, you may secure legal support to pursue compensation and hold abusers accountable so that your parents can recover and heal.
