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Older people experiencing neglect can file a lawsuit to recover any damages they incurred because of the neglect . Perhaps your most immediate action to take with a neglect case is to report it. If abuse seems to be severe or continuous, it is important to document it and give details of signs and patterns to the nursing home administration. Many elders aren’t in a position to defend themselves or to ensure that they are being treated fairly.
People who engage in this type of conduct tend to target the most vulnerable residents, who often are unable to report the abuse or are even unaware that it is occurring. Residents who may be particularly at risk of being sexually assaulted are those with dementia, Alzheimer’s, or other issues that can impair their memory. Nursing home resident’s that are sexually abused often will have hesitation when it comes to reporting such activity even if they are able to. Eldercare facilities should have procedures in place to allow their resident’s the ability to report such activity without fear of retaliation.
Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers
A loved one who is lethargic or unresponsive may be overmedicated or may suffer in need of an unreceived treatment for a behavioral or physical condition. An older person may be suffering abuse if their wounds do not heal or new injuries appear. Nursing home patients with advanced stages of pressure sore injuries, particularly stage 4 bedsores, are at a high risk, and these types of injuries are avoidable when proper care is administered.
We can listen to your concerns and assist you with documentation to ensure the elderly person in your life receives the care that they deserve. Physical abuse includes using violence or force against an elderly person in an effort to cause injury or harm. It may take several different forms, including physical violence, threats of violence, or inappropriate physical restraints. With the prevalence of sexual nursing home abuse, it’s obvious that steps need to be taken to curtail it.
Are there specific risk factors for elder abuse in nursing homes?
When a caregiver fails to take care of an older person’s financial responsibilities, financial neglect occurs. This includes ignoring bills such as rent or a mortgage, property taxes, or utility bills. Additionally, financial abuse sometimes occurs when individuals scheme to take advantage of a patient’s inability to comprehend complex financial transactions.
Help is available if your loved one suffered from nursing home abuse. The resident also suffered neglect due to untreated bedsores and pneumonia. Signs that a loved one has been emotionally abused include negative changes in their mood or behavior.
Risk Factors for Physical Elder Abuse
It is also important to note that residents with mobility issues should be provided with help for hygiene and movement. Tragically, according to the NANHA, 29% of nursing home abuse complaints reported were complaints of physical abuse. Physical abuse can take many forms, from blunt force to overmedication. It can be a difficult decision to place an elderly family member in a nursing home.
Physical abuse can be committed against any resident, but those with cognitive disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease may be at higher risk. If you or a loved one has been abused in a Louisville, KY or Jeffersonville, IN nursing home, the nursing home abuse lawyers at the Karl Truman Law Office can help. We have a distinguished record of success helping seniors and their families recover the justice and compensation they deserve in these difficult cases. Whether you are a family member or friend of a nursing home resident or an employee or contractor of a nursing home, you should always be alert for signs of abuse of the elderly.
Neglect is a type of abuse that occurs when a caregiver fails to give adequate care. The possibility of unnoticed physical harm exists for seniors who live in remote areas or do not have family nearby. Elderly residents enduring physical pain stemming from the abuse may withdraw from others, making it harder to notice potential abuse. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, people with mental or physical limitations are more likely to be the victim of physical harm.
Almost one third of all nursing home employees admitted to emotionally abusing one of their patients. Physical neglect occurs when a nursing home resident is deprived of anything necessary for not only survival, but also dignity. On their end, care facilities are obligated to hire caring aides and train them to provide the best care possible. They must also employ enough caregivers to cater to residents adequately. The No Fear Act protects individuals who report instances of nursing home elder abuse. The law helps guarantee equal opportunities for nursing home abuse whistleblowers concerning promotions, future employment, and raises.
That being said, there is no excuse for staff to harm nursing home residents. Any staff member that has abused or neglected an older person deserves to be punished for their actions. Common perpetrators include nursing home staff, administrators, other residents, and even family members.
A Marlette, Michigan, family reached a $1.3 million settlement in the traffic death of their 5-year-old son when they were struck by a semi truck. Child developed cerebral palsy with developmental delays due to lack of oxygen and brain injury during labor and delivery. Patient suffered cardiac arrest and brain damage when a hospital failed to recognize internal bleeding and treatment was delayed for more than 14 hours. A Livonia pedestrian recovered $1.4 million when he was struck by a commercial van resulting in a traumatic brain injury in Redford, Michigan. If it seems like your loved one isn’t getting any better, be on the lookout for neglectful employees.
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