Have You Been Injured? We're Ready to Fight for You.

Signs of Abuse In Louisville, KY Nursing Homes

Nursing Home Abuse & Neglect

It’s an unfortunate reality that some of the most vulnerable people among us, the elderly, are abused by the very same people who should be caring for them. Due to their age, seniors often don’t have the strength to defend themselves, and some don’t have the presence of mind to avoid being taken advantage of in other ways.

Elder abuse in nursing homes is not always perpetrated by those with malicious intent; on the contrary, many instances of abuse involve frustrated and/or jaded staff members who either “snap” or simply lose interest. And to make matters worse, victims tend to keep silent out of shame or fear of being a burden. This is why it is important to know the signs of nursing home abuse. Once you realize something’s wrong, only then will you be able to take the proper steps to remedy your loved one’s situation.

What are the Signs of Elder Physical Abuse?

Signs of physical abuse should make themselves immediately apparent upon inspection. Every time you visit your elderly loved ones, you should check for the following signs of abuse in Louisville, KY nursing homes:

  • Bruises, welts, or scars that are unexplained and appear symmetrically on both sides of the body
  • Broken bones, sprains, or dislocations
  • Over- or under dosage of prescribed medication
  • Shattered eyeglasses
  • Marks on wrists that indicate excessive modes of restraint

If your elderly loved one refuses to let you examine his or her body or wears long sleeves every time you visit, even in stifling hot weather, then you may have reason to suspect abuse and should take the proper measures to prevent it from happening again.

What are the Signs of Elder Sexual Abuse?

Sexual abuse is perhaps the most traumatic type of abuse one can go through, yet it may also be the hardest to detect since victims often remain silent and physical signs occur around sensitive parts of the body, such as the genitalia. It is highly advised that you have your elderly loved ones go through periodic physical exams conducted by a physician you trust. The physician may report to you any troublesome signs or symptoms in a discreet fashion.

What are the Signs of Elder Financial Abuse?

Perpetrators of financial exploitation rely on their victims’ inability to realize their victimhood due to some mental ailment that impedes their ability to reason and think logically. If you have the notion that your elderly loved one is being taken advantage of financially, look for the following signs:

  • Unexplained and/or excessive withdrawals from the elder’s finances
  • Drastic shift in the elder’s financial status
  • Missing valuables or cash
  • Suspicious changes in wills, power of attorney, titles, and policies
  • Unpaid balances or lack of medical services, although the elder should have enough to cover them
  • Unnecessary services, goods, or subscriptions

Like with all instances of abuse, detection is based on paying close attention and retaining constant communication with your elderly loved one. That means visiting often and checking in with staff. Sometimes, “face time” alone can prevent further abuse from occurring.

Protecting You and Your Loved Ones from Harm

Whether you have suffered abuse as the resident of a negligent nursing home, or you are a family member who suspects your elderly loved one is being abused, the compassionate Louisville attorneys at the Thomas Law Offices can help you put a stop to such occurrences and fight for recompense for any resultant damages. For a free case evaluation, please call us today at (877) 955-7001. Our lines are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

For more information on how to protect your elderly loved ones, click here to download our eBook.

Recent Blog:  Overworked Staff Can Be A Sign of Potential Neglect and Abuse

Free Case Evaluation

At Thomas Law Offices, our personal injury attorneys recognize that our potential clients are likely going through some of the most difficult times of their lives. We don't want you to have to worry about paying out of pocket for legal advice when you're just starting to learn your legal rights and options. That's why we provide free case evaluations. We'll offer our expert advice about your potential case and walk you through how we can help you.

Call us or fill out the form below to tell us about your potential case and a personal injury lawyer will get back to you as quickly as possible.

Meet Our Founder

Tad Thomas - Trial Lawyer

Tad Thomas

Managing Partner

Tad Thomas has dedicated his practice to representing plaintiffs in various types of civil litigation, including personal injury, business litigation, class actions, and multi-district litigation.

After graduating with his law degree in 2000 from Salmon P. Chase College of Law at Northern Kentucky University, Mr. Thomas immediately opened his own private practice and began representing injury victims.

In 2011, Thomas Law Offices was established in Louisville, Kentucky. Over the past decade, Mr. Thomas has expanded his firm and now has offices in three additional locations: Cincinnati, Ohio, Columbia, Missouri, and Chicago, Illinois. He is also a frequent lecturer on topics like trial skills and ethics and technology.

Legal & Firm News

Former Nebraska Women’s Basketball Player Sues Coach & University Over Alleged Sexual Grooming

A February 18 civil lawsuit filed by a former University of Nebraska basketball player alleges that the male associate head coach of her then-team used their position of authority to groom her into a sexual relationship with them. This alleged sexual misconduct occurred between 2020 and 2022. Listed as defendants in the lawsuit are the […]

Read More

Iowa Nursing Home Staff Abused and Laughed at Patients According to Records

A whistleblower retaliation lawsuit filed on Feb. 15, 2024, reveals how there was pervasive mistreatment of nursing home residents at a DesMoines, Iowa nursing home beginning as early as March 2022.   A later Iowa Department of Inspection and Appeals (DIA) investigation, launched after her dismissal, confirmed the majority of those reports (and others) alleging staff […]

Read More

Tad Thomas Named Lawdragon 500 Leading Consumer Plaintiff Lawyer for 2024

Thomas Law Offices is proud to announce that founder, Tad Thomas, has been recognized by Lawdragon on the 2024 Lawdragon 500 Leading Plaintiff Consumer Lawyers list. Tad has been a trial lawyer for over 20 years. He founded Thomas Law Offices in Louisville, Kentucky, and over the years, his reputation and practice have grown, expanding […]

Read More
Tad Thomas on The National Crime Victim Bar Association
National Civil Justice Institute - Trustee
Tad Thomas on Lawyer Minds
Tad Thomas on American Association for Justice
Southern Trial Lawyers Association
Illinois Trial Lawyers Association
Ohio Association for Justice
Kentucky Justice Association
Fellows of the Litigation Counsel of America
Martindale Hubbell Preeminent
2021 Public Justice Member
AAJ Masters of Trial Law: Champion