When you visit your parent in a nursing home, you expect them to be safe, cared for, and treated with dignity. But what if you start noticing bruises that do not make sense? Maybe your parent has marks on their arms, legs, or even face, and the staff either cannot or will not give you a clear answer about how they got there. If this keeps happening, you may be right to suspect that something is wrong.
At Nursing Home Injury Center, our Peoria, IL nursing home abuse attorneys focus on serious cases of neglect, abuse, and wrongful death in nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and rehab centers. As a division of a large injury law firm with decades of experience and many six- and seven-figure results, we know how to uncover the truth behind injuries that families cannot explain. If your parent keeps getting unusual bruises, it may be time to take action.
Are Bruises Normal in Older Adults?
It is true that many seniors bruise more easily than younger people. As we age, our skin becomes thinner and we lose protective fatty tissue that cushions blood vessels. Medications like blood thinners or aspirin can also make bruising more likely. This means that sometimes even a small bump can leave a visible mark.
However, there is a difference between the occasional bruise that can be explained and a pattern of repeated or severe bruises that cannot. If your parent’s bruises are large, appear in unusual places, or happen frequently without explanation, that is not something you should ignore.
Why Repeated Bruises on an Adult in a Nursing Home May Be a Red Flag
Nursing homes in Illinois are required by the Illinois Nursing Home Care Act (210 ILCS 45/) to provide proper supervision and care. Frequent or unexplained bruises may signal serious problems such as falls, rough handling, physical abuse, or simple neglect. A parent who falls without help may suffer repeated injuries. Caregivers who pull or lift a resident roughly may leave marks on arms and shoulders.
In some cases, residents are intentionally harmed by staff or even by other residents if supervision is not adequate. Even if a resident takes medication that makes bruising easier, nursing homes still have a duty to prevent unnecessary harm.
When evaluating whether bruises may be suspicious, it is important to consider their location. For example:
- Bruises on shins, forearms, or hands may be explained by small bumps or daily activities.
- Bruises on upper arms or shoulders could suggest rough handling or being grabbed.
- Bruises on the back, abdomen, or face are especially concerning and may be signs of abuse.
- Multiple bruises in different stages of healing may indicate repeated trauma over time.
If you notice these kinds of patterns, you should demand answers from the nursing home and consider contacting an attorney to investigate further.
Why Nursing Home Staff Explanations May Not Add Up
Families often hear excuses when they ask about injuries. Staff may say a resident “just bumped into something” or “is clumsy.” But if you keep hearing vague explanations and see new bruises each visit, that is not a coincidence. Nursing homes are required to document falls, injuries, and incidents. If staff cannot produce records or avoid giving you details, it may be a sign they are trying to hide neglect or abuse.
Even if a bruise itself heals, the underlying problem can be much more serious. Bruises from falls may mean your parent is at risk of a broken hip or head injury next time. Bruises from rough handling may point to understaffing or untrained employees who may be putting residents at risk. And bruises caused by intentional abuse mean your parent is in immediate danger. Repeated bruises should always be taken seriously because they often signal a larger failure in care.
What You Can Do If Your Parent Has Unexplained Bruises in a Nursing Home
Many cases of bruises and injuries in nursing homes can be traced back to systemic problems. In some facilities, the corporate focus on profits results in unsafe staffing levels that put residents at daily risk.
If you suspect your parent’s nursing home is not telling you the truth about your parent’s injuries, it is important to act quickly and do the following:
- Document Everything: Take photos of the bruises and keep notes about dates, locations, and staff explanations.
- Ask for Records: Request incident reports, fall logs, and medical notes related to your parent’s injuries.
- Talk to Your Parent: If possible, ask your parent directly if someone has hurt them or if they feel unsafe.
- File a Complaint: You can report suspected abuse or neglect to the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), which investigates nursing home complaints.
- Contact a Lawyer: An experienced nursing home injury attorney can investigate further, obtain records the facility refuses to share, and hold the company accountable.
Taking these steps not only protects your parent but can also prevent other residents from suffering the same treatment.
How a Lawyer Can Help with a Nursing Home Abuse Case
Families often feel powerless when dealing with large nursing home companies, but you do not have to face this alone. A skilled attorney can investigate the nursing home’s staffing levels, records, and history of violations. They can also work with medical experts to determine whether bruises are consistent with neglect or abuse.
In cases where the facility refuses to provide answers, a lawsuit may be the only way to uncover the truth. Compensation may be available for medical costs, pain and suffering, and even wrongful death if the abuse or neglect causes a fatal injury.
At Nursing Home Injury Center, we focus on nursing home injury cases. Our attorneys have decades of experience fighting for families in Peoria and throughout Peoria County. Unlike some firms, when you call us, you speak directly with a lawyer who will listen to your concerns and explain your options.
Contact a Peoria, IL Nursing Home Injury Attorney
If your parent keeps getting unexplained bruises in a nursing home, do not ignore the warning signs. Bruises may be the first visible clue of neglect, unsafe conditions, or even abuse. At Nursing Home Injury Center, our Peoria County nursing home abuse lawyers have the experience and resources to uncover the truth and fight for justice.
Call us today at 309-524-6900 to schedule a free consultation. We will listen to your story, investigate what happened, and work tirelessly to protect your family.
