Most families decide to make living arrangements in nursing homes for their loved ones to ensure their safety and proper care. These well-meaning individuals do not always find making their decisions easy. However, they usually accept that they need to make the decision and that it will be best. No one likely expects that their loved ones will become victims of nursing home abuse. Finding out can evoke many emotions including anger. After all, these decisions are usually for safety reasons.
There are varying levels and types of nursing home abuse. Some of them can result in hospitalization or death. Families may feel as though they do not have any recourse, especially if nursing homes deny allegations or refuse to speak to them. However, nursing home abuse is a criminal act, and individuals involved can be prosecuted. The facilities can also be held accountable and may be ordered to pay compensation to victims or their families.
Nursing homes should have insurance to protect their residents, their integrity, and operational concerns. This often means that victims and loved ones have to deal with insurance companies that might not be helpful or fair. The following points represent the types of nursing home abuse that could be compensable. A nursing home abuse attorney is a good resource to use if you suspect your loved one is a victim.
Neglect
Sometimes this can be hard to recognize because some forms of neglect do not appear as obvious as physical ones. Emotional abuse such as shunning, raising one's voice, threatening, social depravity, name-calling, and abandonment are all types of neglect. Not giving a resident their medications, giving them more or less than prescribed, and not providing meals are also forms of neglect.
Eventually, signs of neglect may surface. Loved ones need to know what to watch for. Unexplained weight loss or doctor's inquiries regarding malnutrition are possible signs. Bedsores, depression, anxiety, and obvious hygiene issues could all be indicators of resident neglect occurring.
Physical Abuse
Your loved one should not have repeated injuries while under supervised care. Even subtle markings such as scratches or fine welts need to be questioned. Your loved one may experience sprains, broken bones, dislocated bones, or bruises if they have mobility or cognitive issues. However, these should not be a frequent occurrence. Also, multiple injuries of differing types and at different stages of healing could be indicative that physical abuse is happening.
Your loved one may be coherent enough to realize that they are being abused. This does not mean that they will tell you because some abusers threaten victims. This is why you need to be proactive. Inquire, report, and request documentation of suspected abuse.
For more information or if you suspect a loved one may be a victim of nursing home abuse, contact a nursing home abuse attorney today.
Share13 August 2020
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