How do you know if your loved one is suffering abuse or neglect in a nursing home in Kentucky?  Would you be able to recognize the signs and symptoms of nursing home abuse?  Unfortunately, nursing home abuse and neglect is a growing problem across the country and here in Kentucky.  Care facilities are often understaffed and ultimately the patients themselves pay the price for the nursing home’s inability to meet Kentucky’s high standard of care.

Abuse can take several forms.  Physical abuse may be more easy to identify.  Psychological abuse and mental anguish are often more challenging to diagnose, but there are symptoms to watch for.  Physical abuse usually results in physical signs such as broken bones or dislocations, bruises, lacerations and sores associated with restraints and even burns are often tell tale signs of physical abuse.

Psychological abuse often includes threats, humiliation, verbal abuse and other nonverbal tactics which are designed to intimidate patients into compliance.  Often patients are separated from social contact with other patients or punished in an attempt to gain their submission.  You are right to be suspicious if your loved one struggles to sleep, has elevated blood pressure, suffers rapid weight gain or loss, exhibits other stress related disorders or seems fearful when staff enter the room.

Other symptoms which suggest your loved one is suffering abuse or neglect in a nursing home include dehydration, bed sores, an increase in medications (especially anti-psychotics) or injuries from a fall.

The experienced nursing home injury abuse and neglect attorneys at Hargadon, Lenihan & Herrington, PLLC (HLH) represent injured, abused and neglected nursing home patients and their families.  If you suspect your loved one has suffered an injury due to a fall, physical or psychological abuse and/or neglect we invite you to review the strong recommendations of former clients and the legal industry and contact us or call (866) 583-9701 to speak with one of our attorneys personally for a free consultation.