As more of our population grows older each year, we are depending on elder care more and more. Unfortunately each year, there are over one million reports of elder abuse in nursing homes. According to numerous studies, the most common types of elder abuse fall under the following categories:

• Neglect: Neglect occurs when a caregiver is negligent or indifferent to the well-being of the elderly person under their care. If a nursing home does not provide the necessary level of care required for the well-being of their resident, they may be negligent. Often, it is simply due to understaffing problems at the nursing home and not the intent of the staff.
• Abuse: Abuse of nursing home residents by a staff member or other residents includes physical, mental, and even sexual abuse.
  • Physical Abuse may often be observed in the form of bruises, broken bones, and cuts.
  • Mental Abuse may be hard to uncover due to the fact that it cannot be visibly seen by family members. This form of abuse can be just as harsh as physical abuse, and occurs when there is verbal harassment, intentional neglect, and isolation from friends and family.
  • Sexual Abuse in nursing homes can be forced upon residents by staff members or other residents in the facility.

Common Warning Signs of Nursing Home Abuse or Neglect:

Some common warning signs of abuse or neglect in nursing home include but are not limited to the following:

• Sudden, severe weight loss, or other signs of malnourishment
• Bedsores: Bedsores are ulcers, caused by pressure placed on parts of the body. They can be caused by a number of factors, including an immobile resident not being turned appropriately. Bed sores vary in severity, and often initially appear as persistent red areas on the skin. If left untreated, these sores can become so deep that they reach the muscle, bone or tendon. The elderly have a higher risk of developing bed sores due to thin skin, malnutrition, and poor circulation. This type of neglect is preventable, but healing becomes more difficult if the sores are left untreated.
• Frequent bruising, cuts or open wounds
• Unexplained fractures or broken bones
• Over-medication, which is characterized by symptoms of lethargy, permanent involuntary muscle movements, seizures, and even sudden death.

Contact Our Experienced Attorneys

When nursing home abuse is suspected, residents and family members often feel angry and frustrated over violation of trust by a facility that was supposed to care properly for a loved one. With over four decades of experience, the personal injury attorneys at the Pintas & Mullins Law Firm are extremely knowledgeable about all types of nursing home abuse and neglect. If you suspect a loved one has been neglected or abused in a nursing home, contact our office immediately. We will provide you with a free no-obligation consultation and explain your legal rights.

Resource Links

www.mynursinghomelawyer.com

Visit our website specifically dedicated to nursing home abuse and neglect for additional information on what type of injuries to look for if your loved one is being abused or neglected in a nursing home.

National Center on Elder Abuse: Where to Report

Visit the National Center on Elder Abuse website for information on who to contact to report suspected abuse or neglect of your loved one in a nursing home. The site contains nursing home abuse hotlines for each state.