Choosing a nursing home for your loved one is a difficult decision. You must trust their caregivers to keep them safe and provide quality care. Unfortunately, not all do and elders are often victims of horrific abuse and neglect in nursing homes. As a family member, you may wonder how you can recognize signs of abuse or neglect and what you can do to prevent it.
Below, our law firm has compiled examples of nursing home abuse and neglect for family members.
EXAMPLES OF ABUSE AND NEGLECT IN NURSING HOMES
According to the National Council on Aging, approximately 5 million elders suffer abuse every year. In addition, at least 36 percent of nursing home residents witnessed at least 1 incident of physical abuse of an elder patient.
As such, family members have a right to be concerned about their loved one’s safety when they are in a nursing home. If you recognize these signs, you may need to take action.
EXAMPLES OF ABUSE IN NURSING HOMES
Nursing home and elder abuse can come in many forms, including physical, emotional, and sexual. It can include hitting, burning, pinching, shouting at, or raping senior patients.
Examples of abuse in nursing homes include:
- A resident who is physically injured by staff members
- A resident who is verbally abused by staff or caregivers
- A vulnerable resident who is forced, pressured or convinced to have sexual relations with staff
- A resident who is forcibly restrained without appropriate cause, medical assessment and relief
EXAMPLES OF NEGLECT IN NURSING HOMES
Neglect is often more difficult to identify. It involves withholding care or failing to perform necessary daily care for patients. It is often the result of a nursing home that is understaffed or staffed with untrained caregivers.
Examples of neglect in nursing homes include:
- A resident was hospitalized from severe dehydration and malnutrition after staff members neglected to care for them.
- Staff members left a dementia resident unsupervised, resulting in a serious fall down the stairs and a fractured skull.
- Feeding tube misplacement or mismanagement that resulted in serious intestinal issues. Staff members neglected to perform proper assessments, resulting in worsening conditions.
- Unsupervised resident becomes entrapped in bedrail or falls in the shower, suffering serious injuries and even death.
- A nursing home resident developed serious wounds that were left untreated and began to become septic. This resulted in serious bedsores and amputation.
WHAT CAN YOU DO IF YOU SUSPECT NURSING HOME ABUSE OR NEGLECT?
If you suspect that someone you love is a victim of nursing home abuse or neglect, you should immediately call the police or Adult Protective Services. Many family members hesitate to call authorities because they lack proof of the abuse. You do not need proof to file a report. Simply go to the National Center on Elder Abuse “Reporting Abuse” resource page.
Your loved one has rights as a nursing home resident. We can help you protect those rights every step of the way. Arizona residents can visit our blog to learn more on how to help victims of elder abuse at a local level.
DO YOU HAVE QUESTIONS FOR OUR NURSING HOME ABUSE LAWYERS? CONTACT US TODAY.
If you have questions about nursing home abuse, call our law firm today. The attorneys at Miller Kory Rowe LLP will guide you through the steps to take if you suspect your loved one has been a victim of abuse or neglect. We represent nursing home abuse victims and their families and can hold abusive caregivers and negligent institutions accountable. Contact our team online by submitting a confidential contact form or by calling (602) 648-4045.
