Many Detroit, Michigan, nursing home residents have dementia or other conditions that prevent them from protecting themselves from their abusers. Abuse may come from nursing home staff, visitors to the facility, or fellow residents. Nursing home abuse can take many forms, so be alert to indications of the various types of nursing home abuse, as follows.
This abuse is any type of violence that leaves the victim physically injured or harmed. Acts of physical abuse may occur just once or over a period of time. Since an elderly person’s body is typically fragile, just one act of abuse can result in hospitalization or worse.
The following are some signs that may indicate that your loved one is being physically abused:
Cuts and bruises
Broken bones
Pressure or restraint marks on the wrists or ankles
Over-medication
Cowering or refusing to speak in front of certain staff members
Sudden changes in behavior (withdrawn, flinch, fear of being touched, crying, rocking)
Loss of appetite