If your loved one needs assistance with meeting his daily living needs, you may have considered hiring a home care agency. A home care agency provides skilled nursing and home care assistance services that allow your loved one to live independently. If you've noticed any type of physical or emotional changes with your loved one since they've been receiving home care, it's important to get to the root of the problem. Here are a few signs to look for and possible steps to take if you happen to suspect any type of abuse from a home care aide or nurse.
Abrupt Behavioral Changes
If you've begun to notice that your loved one's personality has changed drastically, it could be a sign of possible abuse. While everyone experiences behavioral changes from time to time, there are some notable signs that could indicate abuse, such as:
- Unusual or severe signs of depression
- Uncontrolled crying
- Violent behavior
- Suicidal actions or threats
- Withdrawing from family and friends
- Isolation and refusing to leave the house
Talk to your loved one and gather information thoroughly. Behavioral changes could also be indicative of a medication change or depression. If issues persist, bring them up with his doctor at his next appointment. If your loved one has stated that he has been abused by his caregiver through the home care agency, contact a reputable personal injury attorney immediately.
Signs Of Neglect
Physical signs of neglect could mean that your loved one is not getting the care he should be from the home care agency. Signs of neglect include:
- Poor hygiene
- Extreme hunger or thirst
- Dirty or mismatched clothing
- Signs of missed medication including high blood sugar or blood pressure readings
- Demonstrating extreme fear and paranoia
Neglect could come in the form of physical abuse from a caregiver or not reporting the patient's medical and mental changes to you or the next of kin. Contact the home care agency immediately and report the changes. If an explanation or resolution cannot be reached, contact a professional attorney and seek legal counsel.
Lost Or Misplaced Belongings
Abuse can also arise when a caregiver develops a sneaky or non-trusting relationship with the patient. This can occur through stealing personal items or withholding money or other monetary items from the patient. In some cases, the caregiver may blame the patient for being forgetful or confused. If this occurs, contact the home care agency and ask them if an incident report has been filed. If it hasn't, it may be time to talk to a lawyer about steps to take to hold the caregiver responsible for their actions.
Visible Bruising Or Scratches
It isn't uncommon for elderly or disabled persons to have bruising or scratches from time to time. But if you've noticed that your loved one has excessive bruising or the bruises are located on the face, wrist or inner thighs, it could be indicative of abuse from someone else. Again, check for an incident or accident report located in the patient's medical records through the agency.
The first sign of elder abuse should warrant a thorough investigation, starting with consulting with the home care agency. If you feel abuse has taken place, protect your loved one by discontinuing home services immediately. Contacting law enforcement and a reputable personal injury attorney should be the next step in ensuring that the abuse stops and your loved one reaches justice in their case.
