Abuse and Neglect in Nursing Homes

Around 1 out of every 7 Americans over the age of 65 will live in a nursing home this year.

Having to place a loved one in the care of someone else is not an easy decision to make, but for many families there is no other choice. Care for an elderly family member can be stressful and even dangerous if medical care is needed and you are not qualified to give such care. It is important then to feel a certain sense of security that the nursing home you have chosen for your family member can provide all of their needs and ensure their safety. Learning that the facility you chose has been neglecting or mistreating your loved one is devastating. Remove them from the home immediately and contact a medical malpractice attorney . Not only is elderly abuse unconscionable, in many cases it is criminal and should be dealt with as such.

Types of Nursing Home Abuse

The worst possible scenario is abuse to the nursing homes patients. Sadly it occurs more often than we would like to think and usually goes unreported and unpunished. Elderly patients are vulnerable and may be unable to protect themselves. Sometimes there is no outward physical sign of abuse. This is why it is important to visit your loved one as often as possible and check to make sure that they are not being mistreated by the facilities employees. Physical abuse would be the most obvious to you. If you notice any bruising or cuts ask for a detailed description of how it happened and then verify the story with medical personnel. An incident report should be filed anytime an injury is sustained. The elderly are also susceptible to emotional abuse. It is not acceptable for any staff member to intimidate, humiliate or terrorize your family member. Sexual abuse has also been reported in nursing homes. One final way that staff members take advantage of their elderly patients is financially. Stealing personal items and money is not uncommon. Limit the amount of valuable items in your family members’ possession and check that all are accounted for each time you visit. If you notice any of these forms of abuse, contact a nursing home abuse lawyer at Zevan and Davidson. We can help you determine what your legal options are.

These facilities have a duty to properly care for their patients. Bedsores, bad hygiene, and malnutrition are all signs that your elderly loved one is being neglected in the home. Neglect can lead to injury. In one case an elderly Missouri woman broke her arm when she fell out of her bed. The nursing home chose to settle the lawsuit once the plaintiffs lawyers were able to show that the staff neglected to follow orders pertaining to the patients needs. On top of that they did not report the incident to authorities.

St. Louis Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers

We want our loved ones to live as comfortably as possible. Finding out that the very people you entrusted to do this are taking advantage of your family member violates your trust in the institution and the staff. If you notice signs of abuse or neglect, remove your loved one from danger and notify the proper authorities immediately.

To speak with a nursing home abuse lawyer call (314) 588-7200.

photo credit: Marcel Oosterwijk