Have you recently discovered that a loved one has been suffering from neglect in their nursing home? If so, you may be looking into a lawsuit against their care provider. Before you do so, it is important that you take some time to gather evidence of neglect so that you have a solid case.

Keep a Journal of Behavior and Emotional Changes

One sign of neglect that can be hard to recall later is changes in someone's behavior or emotions. That is why you will want to keep a journal that documents how the person has changed in these areas over time. You may notice that they are crying more often, are easily agitated, or are now lethargic when they were once active. Your journal will be your best record of the changes they are experiencing, so keep detailed entries.

Photograph Any Injuries

When you think of an injury, you often associate it with breaking a bone and being sent to the ER. Injuries in a nursing home can be as simple as bedsores, which will lead to an infection that can cause tissue damage. If your loved one is suffering from bedsores, be sure to photograph them for evidence.

Other injuries can include unexplained bruising, which is often a sign of abuse. If you are unable to get an accurate report of how the bruising happened, it could be caused by a caretaker that is overstepping their boundaries.

Record Evidence of Malnourishment

A nursing home will monitor what your loved one eats and drinks, and you depend on those records to know if they are eating and drinking enough during the day. You'll want to look for signs of dehydration, which means they are not drinking all the water that is being reported. You could also make your own observations, and see if they line up with what is being reported. In addition, look for signs of malnourishment and dehydration, such as pressure ulcers and skin conditions.

Check Medications

Major errors can be made when it comes to administering medication. This ranges from giving medications that cause adverse side effects when combined, not giving the correct medication, and even stolen medication. It's important to find out if your loved one is not only receiving their medications, but also getting the correct prescriptions in the proper dosage.

For more assistance with what to look for when gathering evidence, work with an attorney that specializes in nursing home abuse.

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