BY: Jimmy Segura
It may be hard to believe, but ABC News has reported that the elderly are neglected at 1 in 3 nursing homes in America. Don’t let it happen to your loved ones.
If you suspect a loved one is being abused or neglected, look for the following signs:
- Unusual weight loss, malnutrition, or dehydration
- Untreated physical problems, such as bed sores
- Unsanitary living conditions like dirt, bugs, soiled bedding, and clothes
- Being left dirty or unbathed
- Unsuitable clothing or covering for the weather
- Unsafe living conditions (no heat or running water; faulty electrical wiring, other fire hazards)
- Desertion of the elder at a public place
Caring for your elderly loved ones can be one of the most difficult tasks in life. We all want them to be safe, happy, and loved. Sometimes we have to depend on others for help. Life simply does not afford us the time to do everything ourselves.
This is when elderly care steps in.
You depend on nursing homes and their staffs to care for your loved ones as you would. In some cases, those facilities do not meet expectations. This is when you have to take action.
If your loved one is showing any of these signs, you must speak up. Don’t hope or convince yourself it’s not happening. Look into it. Take the step towards protecting your loved ones and insuring their safety. Look into the situation to make sure your loved ones are not being neglected. There are agencies that can help, but you must take the first step.
If you need help taking that first step, call Varner and Segura at (864) 271-2232. They have experienced nursing home attorneys that will help you through this difficult process.
NOTE: Nothing above is offered as legal advice, and nothing above should be construed as a substitute for retained legal advice.
PHOTO CREDIT: Alyssa L. Miller / Distributed Under Creative Commons