IS DEPRESSION A SIGN OF ELDER ABUSE?

Moving a loved one into a nursing home or assisted living facility is a difficult decision. Along with worrying about his or her health and well-being, you also worry that he or she may be the victim of elder abuse. Unfortunately, elder abuse is a real problem in our nursing homes and assisted care facilities. Elder abuse can also take place in private homes.

Losing your independence and privacy can be difficult to handle. Many elderly patients go through periods of depression. However, is the withdrawal and sadness that you see in your loved one a normal symptom of aging and transitioning into a nursing home or is it a sign of elder abuse or neglect.

Learning the Signs of Elder Abuse

It can be difficult to know if your loved one is depressed because of his or her health, mental state, or loss of independence or if it is a sign of elder abuse and neglect.  When we entrust the care of our loved one to the staff of a nursing home, it is terrifying to think that the people who should be caring for and protecting our loved one would be subjecting him or her to abuse and neglect.

First, you need to know that you are not alone. If you have any suspicions that your loved one is being neglected or abused, don’t hesitate to take action. Talk to your loved one’s physician and call a Sacramento elder abuse attorney. Your loved one may not be able to tell you that he or she needs help.  You know your loved better than anyone else — if something feels wrong, call our office to discuss your fears with an experienced Sacrament elder abuse attorney.

In addition to depression, other signs of abuse you should look for include:

• Decubitus Ulcers – Decubitus ulcers are commonly referred to as bedsores or pressure sores. Bedsores could be an indication that your loved one is being neglected. Bedsores often appear when a patient is being left in the same position in a bed or chair for long periods of time.
• Unexplained changes in weight
• Bruises, welts, lacerations, sores, or broken bones
• Withdrawal, anxiety, and fear of being left along with staff members
• Changes in finances (i.e. unpaid bills, lost money, changing a will, etc.)
• Strong odors and dirty clothing
• Dirty rooms and bedclothes
• Signs of dehydration
• Refusal to eat or take medications
• Mood swings and emotional outbursts

For more information on the signs of elder abuse, visit the websites for the National Council on Aging and National Institute on Aging.

Do You Suspect Elder Abuse or Nursing Home Abuse?

If you fear that your loved one has been abused, we want to help. Our Sacramento elder abuse attorneys understand this is an emotional and terrifying topic. Therefore, we listen to your concerns and help you take the next steps to ensure that your loved one is protected from abuse.  We also help you hold the parties responsible for the abuse accountable and liable for their actions.

Call the Tiemann Law Firm at (916) 999-9000 or chat with a representative on our website.  Our elder abuse attorneys serve clients in Sacramento, Folsom, Roseville, El Dorado Hills, and other communities in the greater Sacramento area.