When we are unable to provide care for our aging loved ones, we look carefully to find the right long-term care facility to meet their needs. Nursing home costs are high, but we know the fees are supposed to provide attentive care in a safe, protective environment.
So if you learn that your loved ones are being subjected to abuse and neglect instead of appropriate care, it is crucial to act quickly. The fragile health of nursing home residents makes them particularly vulnerable, and their physical and mental health can suffer irreparable damage very quickly.
Depending on the situation, a nursing home abuse lawyer at the Grimmett Law Firm, PLLC may be able to negotiate an immediate change that protects your loved one from further mistreatment. We could also determine whether your family may be entitled to compensation for past abuse. If so, it is again important to act quickly to gather and preserve evidence to prove your case.
Abuse Takes Many Forms
Most of us think of abuse as physical harm. While this form of abuse is all-too-common, nursing home residents are also often subject to other forms of abuse as well.
Financial exploitation is a common problem for residents of long-term care facilities and elderly individuals cared for in their homes. Caregivers gain the trust of their patient, and that can allow an unscrupulous caregiver to misappropriate funds, take personal belongings, forge signatures, or commit identity theft. Nursing home staff could also be committing healthcare fraud involving your loved one by overcharging, prescribing unnecessary medicines or services, or receiving kickbacks.
Emotional and psychological abuse frequently occur in both verbal and non-verbal forms. Nursing home staff could be intimidating or humiliating your loved one, causing severe emotional distress. Sometimes patients who appear to be exhibiting signs of dementia are actually suffering from emotional abuse.
Some nursing home residents are even subjected to sexual abuse of various forms. Mistreatment could come from staff members or other residents.
Finally, the most frequent source of nursing home abuse may be neglect. Overworked or indifferent staff members may fail to provide proper care, hygiene, nutrition, and other services.
Signs of Nursing Home Abuse or Neglect
It is important to understand the signs of potential abuse or neglect to help protect your loved one. If you notice these signs, consult a nursing home abuse lawyer who can help determine the best course of action.
Signs to watch for include:
- Unexplained bruises, welts, or fractures
- A caregiver refusing to allow you to see your loved one alone
- Marks on the wrists or ankles
- Reports of a drug overdose or indications that medication is not being administered
- Rocking, sucking, or mumbling behavior
- Unexplained withdrawals from bank accounts
- Changes to wills or power of attorney documents
- The addition of a name to a bank account signature card
- Charges for unnecessary services or services that were never provided
- Bedsores or dirty clothing
A situation which could be normal for one individual could indicate a serious problem in another. It is important to pay attention to patterns of behavior and any sudden changes. When in doubt, it is better to investigate a potential concern than to wait until it may be too late to take action.
Consult a Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer if You Suspect a Problem
At the Grimmett Law Firm, PLLC, we have unfortunately encountered many cases of nursing home neglect and abuse. We want to help you protect your loved ones.
If you believe you could be facing a problem with a nursing home or an in-home care service, schedule a consultation with our team. We can provide advice and assistance to get the help you need and potentially receive compensation for suffering your loved one has experienced.