Neglect and abuse are often a significant concern to many families in New Mexico and elsewhere that have loved ones that reside in a care facility. Patients of nursing homes often have a limited ability to protect themselves from such harm, and they may also have difficulty expressing similar concerns. Those that have concerns about the safety of a family member might find it beneficial to be aware of the potential indicators of elder abuse.
Abuse can come in various shapes and fashions, all of which can do a great deal of harm to the well-being of a nursing home resident. Patients that exhibit unexplainable injuries, such as cuts, bruises or burns, could have been the victim of such negligence. Such injuries are often a cause for concern, and being able to identify possible signs of abuse could go a long way in protecting a patient from suffering further harm.
The harm from a similar incident can also go beyond physical damage, and many victims of abuse may suffer emotionally as well. Psychological abuse can cause a patient to suffer in various ways, potentially leading to confusion and sudden changes in behavioral patterns. Emotional trauma can be as serious as physical and is often just as challenging to overcome.
Although identifying elder abuse is a step in the right direction, families in New Mexico may be uncertain about how to protect their loved ones from similar harm in the future. Neglect and/or abuse can cause a victim to experience long-term or permanent damages or worse. When facing such a stressful and daunting situation, victims or families could choose to speak with an experienced attorney for assistance in pursuing compensation and protecting against further harm.
Source: carrollcountytimes.com, “Editorial: Recognize, and report, signs of elder abuse“, June 15, 2017