Nursing home abuse and neglect often result in serious physical harm to residents. Families should be on the lookout for injuries or health issues that might indicate a loved one is being mistreated. Some common physical injuries and warning signs seen in Bradenton nursing home abuse cases include:
- Bedsores (Pressure Ulcers): Painful wounds that develop when residents are left in the same position for too long. Untreated bedsores can become infected and lead to life-threatening conditions like sepsis.
Fractures and Broken Bones: Falls are common in nursing homes when residents aren’t properly supervised or assisted. Physical abuse, such as rough handling or shoving, can also cause broken bones. - Bruises or Unexplained Injuries: Frequent bruises, cuts, or sprains suggest rough treatment or lack of proper care. Patterns of unexplained injuries are a major red flag for abuse or neglect.
- Dehydration or Malnutrition: Neglect of basic needs (food and water) can cause rapid weight loss, weakness, and severe health problems. If a facility fails to provide proper nutrition and hydration, residents can suffer serious complications.
- Elopement and Wandering Injuries: When a nursing home fails to monitor vulnerable residents, those with cognitive impairments may wander off unsupervised. This can result in injuries from falls or even accidents outside the facility.
These injuries are often preventable. They happen when a nursing home violates its duty of care through understaffing, poor training, or outright caregiver negligence. If you notice any of these signs in a Bradenton-area facility, act quickly to protect your loved one and seek legal help.