Depression and Elder Abuse: Nursing Home Abuse can Trigger Depression in Otherwise Healthy Residents

A sudden change in your elder's attitude, memory, or emotional health can be distressing for everyone. Depression is not uncommon among the elderly, and can include a disinterest in hobbies, eating, or communication with family members, along with memory problems, withdrawal from family and friends, as well as weight-loss. However, each of these may also be a sign of nursing home neglect and elder abuse. Because depression can signal elder abuse, it can be difficult to know whether or not your family member is being abused. In cases where there is a sudden change in behavior or attitude, speak with the staff, as well as any medical specialists that may be available to you. Some signs that depression may be caused by elder abuse are:  Bruises, burns or other unexplained injuries  Unexplained changes in medication or dosage  Indifference by members of the staff  Sudden, dramatic change in attitude by the elder without notification by the staff If you feel that your family member may be suffering at the hands of nursing home staff, you must act quickly and decisively to help your elder before the situation escalates any further. The Law Offices of Young and Wallin specialize in handling nursing home neglect and elder abuse cases, and will help you to recover damages and move forward with your life.