Many seniors value their autonomy and independence and would prefer to age in place, but this is not feasible for all, particularly those with significant physical or cognitive disabilities. Fortunately, nursing homes and assisted living facilities can provide a safe place for older adults to receive the support and care they need to live well and healthily in their golden years.
Sadly, not all long-term care is created equal. Some facilities fall short of expectations, while others are plagued by serious issues like neglect and abuse. Whenever care facilities fail to uphold their duty of care to their residents, they must be held accountable. This is particularly true when residents suffer an illness, injury, or psychological trauma as a result of mistreatment.
Many incidents of nursing home abuse or misconduct go undetected or unreported. It is essential for family members to know the warning signs and advocate on behalf of their elderly loved ones to protect them and others like them.
Suppose your loved one is in a nursing home in Kansas City and you have noticed odd actions on the part of the staff. In that case, a Kansas City odd actions on the part of the staff lawyer may provide a valuable resource in investigating the situation and holding the responsible parties accountable. The team at Pintas & Mullins Law Firm is committed to advocating for elderly adults to put a stop to elder abuse and neglect.
We can help you pursue just compensation for your loved one’s injuries and pain and suffering. Call (800) 842-6336 to speak with a staff member about your case.
Warning Signs of Nursing Home Abuse
Before you place your elderly loved one in a long-term care facility, it is essential to tour the grounds. This will allow you to inspect the conditions and ensure the facilities meet your family’s expectations. But equally important, it provides a chance to observe the staff and their interactions with patients.
Staff should be warm and welcoming and friendly toward visitors and residents. Residents should, for the most part, appear happy and well-cared-for. If residents appear miserable, depressed or withdrawn, shy away from staff members, or appear fearful, it may indicate something is awry.
Similarly, staff should be willing to answer any questions you have. If they are reluctant to answer questions about the facility, staff education and training, or residents’ day-to-day routines and care schedules, consider it a red flag.
If you have already placed your loved one in a nursing home and feel the staff are behaving oddly, secretively, or inappropriately toward you, your elderly loved one, or other visitors or residents, consider investigating further to determine if abuse is taking place.
Symptoms of Abuse
Abuse can take many forms, and it is not always easy to detect. Always take complaints or concerns from your loved one seriously and take note of any physical or emotional changes. Those who are being abused may become depressed, withdrawn, fearful, or exhibit post-traumatic stress symptoms.
Check for bruises, lacerations, or other indicators of physical harm as well. If your loved one seems to be falling often or experiencing other recurring injuries, this should be a red flag. Some possible signs of sexual abuse include pain or difficulty sitting or walking, and STDs.
Also, keep an eye out for signs of financial abuse. If your loved one has any independently-held financial accounts or a will, go over these to ensure there are no suspicious charges or withdrawals.
For a free legal consultation with a City Odd Actions on the Part of the Staff Lawyer serving Kansas, call (800) 794-0444
Specific Examples of Odd Nursing Home Staff Behavior
Not all odd behavior indicates wrongdoing. But it is essential to know the warning signs. According to Justice in Aging, some specific examples of strange actions on the part of nursing home staff include:
- Preferential care: Most long-term care facilities accept different insurance types, including Medicare/Medicaid and private coverage. Because residents with personal coverage may pay more or be wealthier than those on Medicare or Medicaid, staff may better treat privately insured patients.
- Physical Restraints: Physical restraints are necessary for some specific situations. However, their use should be restricted to these instances. Regular use may indicate abuse.
- Excessive Stress: Everyone gets stressed at work sometimes. However, if staff appear excessively stressed, even around patients, consider it a warning signal. This may indicate that the facility is understaffed or overworked, which can adversely affect patients.
- Behavior management medications: Like restraints, behavior-altering medications, such as sedatives, should only be used in specific situations. Otherwise, it may constitute abuse.
This list is not comprehensive. Other examples include refusal to allow spontaneous visits; furtive movements when caught off guard; and secretiveness or evasiveness.
If you notice any consistent or alarming, strange behaviors, it may be time to consider moving your loved one to a different facility. At the very least, consider investigating further to determine if it is a safe place for your senior to reside. If your loved one has suffered as a result of odd behavior on the part of the staff in a Kansas City nursing home, a Kansas City odd actions on the part of the staff lawyer may be able to support you in determining the source of the issue and what you can do to seek justice.
Kansas City Odd Actions on the Part of the Staff Lawyer Near Me (800) 794-0444
Get in Touch with an Attorney
No one should have to suffer in silence. Help your loved one seek compensation for the misconduct against them by consulting with an elder law attorney. The team at Pintas & Mullins Law Firm is committed to giving a voice to vulnerable seniors and seeking justice on their behalf.
Bringing a suit against a nursing home or particular staff members involves an intricate legal process that can be difficult to navigate without extensive legal knowledge and expertise. Let the advocates at Pintas & Mullins Law Firm help your family overcome this dark period and pursue compensation to help you start a new and brighter chapter. Call the office at (800) 842-6336 to talk with a staff member about your case.
During this free, no-obligation meeting, we can help you determine if you have the legal grounds to take action in the form of a personal injury lawsuit against nursing home staff, facility owners, or other parties to redeem compensation for your elderly family member’s losses. A Kansas City odd actions on the part of the staff lawyer can build a solid case for your family.
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