Nursing Home Abuse

Far beyond comprehension of many people, residents in nursing homes are deprived of the most basic needs such as food, water, medicine, toileting, grooming and other daily care routines. For this reason, residents in today’s nursing homes are starved, dehydrated and suffer from painful pressure sores. The harmful results of nursing home abuse can range from discomfort, to serious injury, and even death. Elderly residents can become victims because they are physically or mentally unable to communicate that they are suffering from abuse. Understaffed facilities or insufficiently trained employees can contribute to elder abuse cases. A nursing home's emphasis on profits above patient care and comfort can also lead to phsyical abuse, emotional abuse, and sexual abuse.

Do you suspect your loved one is a victim of nursing home abuse? We can help. Find an experienced nursing home lawyer now.

Signs and Symptoms of Nursing Home Abuse

Many people have relatives that live in nursing homes due to the constant medical attention that is required. While abuse might not always be obvious, there are certain symptoms that could reveal that a person is not being treated with the proper respect and care that he or she deserves, or worse, is being abused. If a caregiver refuses to allow family or friends to see the resident or insists on being present during the visit, this might indicate that abuse is taking place. Below are some additional warning signs.

Emotional abuse

• Non-communicative and extremely withdrawn
• Unusual behavior, such as rocking, sucking, biting
• Confusion or sudden dementia
• Low self-esteem and/or depression
• Anxiety
• Agitation
• Mood swings
• Involuntary seclusion

Physical abuse

• Bed-sores
• Frozen joints
• Skin damage
• Broken bones
• Cuts and abrasions
• Sprains
• Dislocations
• Bruises
• Welts
• Rapid, unexplained weight loss
• Burns
• Fearfulness
• Unwarranted use of physical restraint

Sexual abuse

• Unexplained venereal diesease
• Genital infections
• Vaginal or anal bleeding
• Stained underclothing
• Bruising around breasts, upper abdomen, or inner thighs

What to do if you Suspect Abuse

Victims of nursing home abuse may be embarrassed and reluctant to speak out because of threats or intimidation by staff members. If you suspect, or if you have witnessed, abuse in a nursing home, you should seek medical attention for the victim immediately if the circumstances require it. Gather as much information as possible about the individuals involved in the suspected abuse (e.g. names, ages, addresses). Your next step should be to contact the nursing home administrator. Then file a complaint with the department in your state that regulates nursing homes and contact the local police. As criminal abuse of the elderly is illegal and unacceptable, you should also seek the help of a qualified attorney with expertise this area.

Have you or someone you know become a victim of nursing home abuse or neglect? If so, contact one of our experienced nursing home lawyers today. Help End Nursing Home Abuse.

Attorneys specialized in nursing home abuse and neglect have experience in these type of cases and they know the legal rights of the nursing home resident. Not only can those rights be rectified and enforced, but at the same time, legal action can be taken against the nursing home and/or the abusive staff member particularly. While monetary damages for the abused can be claimed, a lawsuit with adequate consequences may also set an example for other care institutions, which may then save many others from cruel nursing home abuse and uncalled for neglect.