Senior citizen abuse in nursing homes has become a burgeoning problem in the United States as well as the rest of the world. The elderly are at the mercy of the supposed caretakers in these expensive institutions. Unfortunately, plenty of these alleged care providers fail to provide care or even physically/mentally abuse patients. Those who work in and operate nursing homes are required to protect patients and thwart all attempts at neglect and abuse. If a family member living in a nursing home is neglected or abused, it is imperative you meet with our nursing home abuse attorney and local law enforcement right away. An attorney will help you file a claim, hold the guilty parties responsible and ensure justice is served.
The Forms of Nursing Home Abuse
Unfortunately, numerous types of abuse and neglect occur in nursing homes. Though physical abuse is commonly discussed as a common form of nursing home abuse, there are numerous other forms of abuse that take place in these institutions. Sadly, some nursing home residents are sexually abused. Morally bankrupt nursing home employees subject nursing home residents to sexual acts without consent.
Physical abuse is also on the rise at nursing homes. This form of abuse occurs when an employee harms a patient through physical force such as pushing, pulling, hitting, etc. Failing to provide the patient with the proper care qualifies as physical abuse. As an example, consider a situation in which a nursing home employee allows an elderly resident to remain in bed to the point that bed sores develop.
Some nursing home patients endure emotional or psychological abuse. This type of abuse occurs when an individual is verbally threatened or yelled at. Even ignoring a patient qualifies as emotional abuse. Some nursing home operators and employees will go as far as stealing from elderly patients. Seniors’ valuables and money are stolen at an alarming frequency and subsequently used to help others. Financial abuse extends to persuading or forcing an individual to sign his or her name on financial or legal documents.
Signs of Nursing Home Abuse
Have you noticed a considerable weight loss in a loved one living at a nursing home? Does your parent or grandparent no longer have interest in eating his or her favorite foods? Perhaps the senior in your life is dehydrated. Each of these signs indicates your loved one might be a victim of nursing home abuse.
Additional signs of physical abuse at nursing homes include broken bones, bruises and bed sores. A series of falls also qualifies as a sign the staff is not providing adequate support for patients with mobility challenges. Missing property and clothing are also signs of theft. A series of trips to the hospital emergency room or a hospitalization without explanation indicates your loved one might have been mistreated.
Oftentimes, violated parties will withdraw from their social circle as they do not want to discuss the nursing home staff’s transgressions out of a fear that the abuse will worsen. If your loved one asks to leave the nursing home or begs someone to remain with them, it is an indication something is wrong. Do not hesitate to ask your relative, friend or acquaintance if he or she is being mistreated by nursing home staff. If you notice any of the signs detailed above or other clues of abuse such as odors, dirty clothes, piled up trash and/or soiled sheets, be proactive by scheduling an appointment with our nursing home abuse attorney. We will help you obtain financial compensation and hold the guilty parties responsible for the mistreatment of your loved one.
As you can imagine, New Jersey laws can be complicated and confusing. Due to this, hiring a skilled personal injury attorney is important when seeking any type of monetary compensation for injuries you or a love one has suffered. Contact Richard Schibell today to help you with your case.
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