There often comes a time in a person’s life when he or she simply cannot care for himself or herself anymore. In this case, nursing homes or assisted living facilities can be the best way to ensure specialized care for the elderly individual. However, it is shocking and upsetting to realize that nursing home abuse is a common occurrence in the United States today.
Nursing home abuse can be one of the most painful and maddening forms of medical malpractice. The elderly residents of nursing homes are in a very dependent position in relation to the staff and doctors there. The resident and family place huge amounts of trust in the employees of the nursing home, and when that trust is betrayed, it is a true tragedy.
Nursing home abuse attorneys are available for you and your family if you have suffered nursing home abuse.
Indicators of Nursing Home Abuse
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Nursing home abuse can take many forms, and they can all be painful. Any staff member at a nursing home can make mistakes or mistreat residents in such a way that it constitutes abuse. Doctors, nurses, cooks, support staff, and administration officials can all potentially neglect or abuse the elderly residents. Some of the most common indicators of nursing home abuse are:
- Bedsores
- Dehydration
- Malnutrition
- Slips and Falls
- Physical injuries
Nursing home abuse is becoming much more prevalent in the United States. It is important to make sure that the nursing homes are held accountable for allowing negligent and abusive actions against residents.
Types of Nursing Home Abuse
There are many different ways in which your loved one could be abused at a nursing home. Many of our cases include abuse that manifests itself in the following ways:
- Physical abuse – bedsores, dehydration, inexplicable injuries
- Emotional abuse – distress, withdrawal, fear
- Sexual abuse – bruises or marks around genitalia, distress
- Financial abuse – unexplained changes in financial assets or property
If you believe that your loved one is being abused, the best way to prevent such mistreatment in the future is to hold that person responsible for their careless or even cruel behavior.
Common Ways to Identify Nursing Home Neglect
Children are often forced to make difficult decisions as their parents reach advanced age, and considerations about physical assistance and medical needs must often be taken into account. In some cases, elderly parents may be unable to move around or perform normal daily tasks without assistance, and they may require frequent medical care. In such cases, families may turn to nursing homes to help provide the supervision that they cannot offer.
Signs of Neglect
Common signs of nursing home neglect include:
- Broken bones, bruises, and abrasions
- Bed-sores
- Lack of proper hygiene
- Infection
- Dehydration
- Malnutrition
If you notice signs of neglect, it is important to contact an experienced attorney to discuss your case.