Nursing homes can be good for elderly people and a very good resource for people who require long-term care for chronic and terminal conditions, as long as these facilities provide the necessary care. However, nursing home residents are often not provided adequate care or may suffer elder abuse or neglect at the hands of nursing home staff or others who visit the facility.
Residents in fragile health or those with complex medical cases can suffer serious harm as a result of nursing home abuse or neglect. This abuse may require emergency medical care, hospitalization, and other actions to ensure their safety and well-being.
Benefits of Living in a Nursing Home or Another Long-Term Care Facility
Nursing homes are a good care option for people who have serious medical concerns, struggle to manage chronic medical conditions, or have a progressive disease that will need additional care in the coming months and years. These facilities have trained staff on duty around the clock, with someone can respond in an emergency with just a click of the call button.
Residents have a care plan in place that provides medical support for their unique health needs and a safe place for those experiencing a cognitive decline from Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, or another condition. Residents can also get help with self-care and support when necessary.
Nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and other long-term care facilities also provide social interaction and a steady schedule of daily activities. This structure can help prevent the social isolation that is common among older people who live on their own, making nursing homes a good option for elderly people if the staff provide adequate care.
The Realities of Life in a Nursing Home
While there are many benefits to placing a loved one in a nursing home, there are certain realties that someone living in this type of facility should consider. It is important that family members remain involved, watch for signs of physical, emotional, sexual, or financial abuse and take any complaints of elder abuse seriously.
Unfortunately, underreported nursing home abuse and neglect occurs frequently. There is a good chance that for every case that comes to light, several go unreported. This underreporting is why family members’ involvement ensures that their loved ones get the adequate and appropriate care they deserve.
Understanding Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect
Many people expect nursing home abuse to appear as physical bruises, scrapes, and scars, which it may. Some abusers are physical, and you may see marks on your loved one from a slap, grab, or unnecessary restraint. However, this is not the most common type of abuse.
While nursing home abuse is sometimes overt and intentional, it can also be unintentional. Well-meaning nurses and other caregivers want to help their residents, but the facility administrators need to give them the time, tools, and support they need to do their job and provide an adequate level of care for residents.
Mismanagement, understaffing, overworking, and other issues can cause a facility with dedicated and well-trained staff to neglect residents who require care and support. Whether intentional or not, neglect is still a type of abuse.
For a free legal consultation, call (800) 842-6336
Taking Action to Hold the Nursing Home Responsible for Abuse or Neglect
When a nursing home resident becomes a victim of abuse or neglect, they can often pursue legal action to hold the nursing home administration accountable and recover compensation for their losses. If your aging family member sustained injuries and financial losses as a result of abuse, they should not be responsible for these costs. The nursing home administration should pay, not the victim.
Recoverable losses in a nursing home abuse case may include:
- Medical care costs.
- Other expenses and losses related to the abuse and treatment.
- Pain and suffering losses.
- And possibly more.
Pursuing compensation if your loved one was the victim of nursing home abuse is the key to protecting them and the other residents in the facility. Reporting any suspected abuse may help to increase oversight.
Talk to a Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect Attorney About Your Loved One’s Case
If your loved one experienced abuse or neglect while living in a skilled nursing facility, assisted living, or another similar facility, you may be able to pursue an award for their losses on their behalf or guide them through the claims process.
At Pintas & Mullins Law Firm, our team offers free case reviews for victims of nursing home abuse. We can explain your rights and help you explore legal options. We handle these cases with no out-of-pocket costs for the victim or their family.
Call (800) 842-6336 today for your free consultation with a member of our nursing home abuse team.
Call or text (800) 842-6336 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
