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Signs of elder abuse, neglect, or exploitation

There were 7,615 cases of elder abuse, neglect, or exploitation in Virginia last year. If you suspect that your loved one is being abused or neglected in a nursing home or assisted living facility, then you should be on the lookout for the following signs:

Signs of abuse
• Unexplained signs of injury such as bruises, welts, or scars
• Bruises and discoloration on inner arm/thigh, thumb/finger prints, choke marks, presence of old and new bruises in the same place, different colored bruises
• Physical injury on head, scalp or face like a black eye
• Scratches, cuts, pinch marks, cigarette burns, rope burns, fractures, broken bones, sprains, or dislocations
• Report of drug overdose or apparent failure to take medication regularly
• Drowsiness, dry and cracked lips, drooling, vacant stare from over- medication
• Broken eyeglasses or frames
• Signs of being restrained, such as suspicious shapes caused by coins, cords or belts used as restraints
• Physical restraint use not ordered by a doctor and used for the convenience of care provider
• Bruises around breast or genital areas, unexplained vaginal or anal bleeding, or torn, stained and bloody under clothing
• Unexplained venereal disease or genital infections
• Caregiver’s refusal to allow you to see the elder alone
• Threatening, belittling, or controlling caregiver behavior that you witness
• Behavior from the elder that mimics dementia, such as rocking, sucking, or mumbling to oneself

Signs of neglect
• Poor hygiene, e.g., unkempt appearance, stained or torn clothes
• Unusual or unexplained weight loss, malnutrition, dehydration
• Untreated physical problems, such as bed sores
• Unsanitary living conditions: dirt, bugs, soiled bedding and clothes, signs of feces on resident or in bathroom and smell of urine, person lying in urine or feces
• Bruising or fractures from rough handling or frequent falls due to lack of attention
• Bedsores on buttocks, heels, elbows, shoulder blades, etc.
• Being left dirty or unbathed, dirty or uncut finger or toe nails or inadequate dental hygiene
• Unsuitable clothing or covering for the weather
• Unsafe living conditions (no heat or running water; faulty electrical wiring, other fire hazards)
• Staffing problems like limited number of staff on nights and weekends, staff inadequately trained or experienced for assignment, and high staff turnover
• Desertion of the elder at a public place

Signs of financial exploitation
• Significant withdrawals from the person’s accounts
• Sudden changes in the elder’s financial condition
• Items or cash missing from the person’s room or household
• Suspicious changes in wills, power of attorney, titles, and policies
• Addition of names to the senior’s signature card
• Unpaid bills or lack of medical care even though the person has enough money to pay for them
• Financial activity the person could not have done, such as an ATM withdrawal when the account holder is bedridden
• Unnecessary services, goods, or subscriptions purchased in the person’s name

If you are looking for an experienced Virginia nursing home abuse or neglect personal injury attorney who will fight for your rights while you and your family recover, please contact the offices of Weisberg & Zaleski, P.C today.

Weisberg & Zaleski, P.C.
112 College Place
Norfolk, VA 23510

Toll Free: (800) 690-0235
Phone: (757) 622-7740
Fax: (757) 533-9223




Michael S. Weisberg, P.C.
112 College Place
Norfolk, VA 23510
Phone: (757) 622-7740
Fax: (757) 533-9223
Toll Free: (800) 690-0235
Email: info@weislaw.com
www.weislaw.com