Many of us that choose to place our loved one into a nursing home facility naturally assume that the nursing home management and nursing home workers have the residents' well being in mind. After all, nursing homes are supposed to provide professional care for those that can't care for themselves, right? As much as we hope Aunt Agnes will be properly cared for, too often we are let down and in some cases our worst fears are realized. Loved ones are being subjected to nursing home abuse and nursing home neglect, and it's happening everywhere.

Nursing home staff members have been caught in the act of inflicting verbal abuse on elderly nursing home residents. Physical abuse and emotional abuse is just as widespread in American nursing homes today. Any form of nursing home abuse is inexcusable because it produces harmful effects to the nursing home resident as well as family members of the victim.

There are many signs that could show if your loved one is a victim of physical or emotional abuse at a nursing home: bumps or bruises on the body, cuts and scrapes, lacerations, burns, broken bones, changes in behavior, and mood swings.

If you observe things such as bed sores, poor hygiene and unclean conditions in the nursing home, be aware that these could be additional signs of nursing home neglect.

Nursing homes are ordered by the federal and state governments to meet specific requirements regarding the care they provide. This includes making sure an adequate number of professional employees are on hand to care for residents of the nursing home. Unfortunately, many nursing homes will jeopardize the welfare of their elderly residents by not maintaining enough employees to provide care.

There are nursing home abuse attorneys who can offer legal solutions if you or a loved one has experienced nursing home abuse or neglect. It is imperative that you speak with an experienced nursing home lawyer if you have questions concerning what can be done with your nursing home abuse claim. You or your loved one may be entitled to compensation for your damages or suffering.