Mood Changes Can Be a Warning Sign of Nursing Home Abuse

 Posted on May 08, 2024 in Nursing Home Abuse

Leaving your elderly loved one in a nursing home is stressful, and both you and your relative may experience a settling period as you adjust to a new way of life. Mood changes may present themselves during this time, though if these changes are prominent, sudden, and prolonged, they may indicate that your loved one is dealing with abuse in his or her nursing home.

If you believe your loved one is being abused in a nursing home, reaching out to an experienced Illinois nursing home abuse lawyer is an essential first step to protecting his or her rights.

Mood Changes to Look Out for in Your Loved One

Sometimes, mood changes are simply a part of aging, and elderly citizens may find themselves developing depression, forgetfulness, or anxiety.

Important mood changes to look out for in your loved one include:

• Sudden loss of interest in activities

• Restlessness or irritability

• Inability to fall asleep or stay asleep, or waking up too early

• Fearfulness, anxiety, and panic

• Feelings of sadness, numbness, or emptiness

• Fatigue, aches, and pains without medical explanation

• Suicidal thoughts or ideation

When mood changes occur suddenly after leaving your relative in a nursing home, they have no direct medical explanation, or they are accompanied by warning signs like bruises, weight changes, and other injuries or illness, they may indicate abuse or neglect is occurring.

What Do I Do if I Suspect Nursing Home Abuse?

Under the Illinois Nursing Home Care Act, residents of a nursing home in the state have the right to be treated with respect, in addition to having their civil rights and human rights honored. Any behavior that is negligent, reckless, or disregards those rights, such as experiencing abuse and medical neglect while in a nursing home, is a violation of this law.

The first thing to do if you suspect nursing home abuse is to ensure that your elderly loved one is in a safe location. From there, you should gather all of the evidence you can, including pictures and witness statements, and take them to a skilled nursing home abuse lawyer. An attorney will help you investigate the case and work to pursue accountability against those responsible for injuries or trauma to your loved one.

Contact a Mount Prospect, IL Nursing Home Abuse Attorney

When you entrust your loved one to the care of an Illinois nursing home, you expect them to be taken care of properly. Reach out to a knowledgeable Cook County, IL nursing home abuse lawyer if you suspect the mood changes in your relative are a result of abuse or neglect. Attorney Charles Adler is dedicated to fighting for his client’s rights and will not hesitate to advocate for his clients throughout the claim process.

Call Adler Law Offices, LTD at 312-236-2700 for a free consultation.