Nursing Home Abuse & Neglect
When a family member or a person you know needs to enter a nursing facility, the last thing you want to consider is the possibility of nursing home abuse or neglect occurring at the facility. Although not every nursing home or assisted living facility is involved in the abuse or neglect of its residents, according to the National Center on Elder Abuse, about one to two million Americans aged 65 and older have been a victim of elder abuse.
Common Forms of Nursing Home Abuse & Neglect
Nursing home abuse can take many forms beyond just physical abuse. Some common types of abuse and neglect occurring at long-term care facilities include:
- Physical abuse, including bruises and broken bones
- Sexual abuse, resulting in sexually transmitted diseases or emotional trauma
- Emotional or behavioral abuse, creating fear, depression, and distress
- Neglect or abandonment, resulting in bedsores, poor hygiene, and insufficient medical care
- Lack of supervision, causing dangerous accidents and worsening medical conditions
- Financial abuse, resulting in significant bank withdrawals or unexplained charges
Signs of Abuse
If your loved one is in a nursing home, there are several common signs that appear when a resident is being abused or neglected at a nursing home. These signs include:
- Poor hygiene
- Visible wounds, such as cuts and bruises
- Untreated bedsores
- Malnutrition or significant weight loss
- Genital infections or bleeding
- Changes in behavior, such as withdrawal and depression
Liability
The nursing facility and its employees who engage in abusive or neglectful conduct can be sued for intentional or negligent conduct. Nursing facilities that receive federal funding through programs, such as Medicare, must comply with the Resident Bill of Rights, which states that residents have certain rights:
- Right to live in a safe and well-maintained environment
- Right to live in a place that promotes personal dignity and independence
- Right to be free from coercion, discrimination, and reprisal from the facility in exercising the resident's rights
If you suspect that a family member or someone you know is being abused or neglected at a nursing facility, it is imperative that you consult an attorney right away. For an experienced nursing home abuse and neglect attorney, contact Glenn A. Grampp to schedule a free initial consultation.
