Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer
When you are the primary caretaker for an elderly loved one, it can be difficult to dedicate all the time your loved one needs when you are also balancing family responsibilities and work, especially if your loved one develops medical issues that make it difficult to provide the care they need. When the day comes that it is necessary for your loved one to live in a nursing home, it can be one of the most difficult decisions for a family to make.
But once you have made that decision, you trust that the facility you have chosen will provide your loved one with the care they need. To discover that the home you entrusted your loved one to is actually a place that is exposing them to abuse or neglect can be devastating. If you have discovered your loved one has been a victim of nursing home abuse, do not delay in contacting a nursing home abuse lawyer to find out what legal recourse you may have.
How Prevalent Is Nursing Home Abuse?
Many Americans do not realize just how many elderly people are victims of abuse. In fact, it is estimated that at least 10 percent of seniors have experienced some type of abuse. Elderly people who suffer from Alzheimer’s, dementia, or other health issue that affects their mental abilities are especially vulnerable to abuse since they are usually unable to communicate with anyone or even understand what is happening to them.
Another alarming statistic is how many nursing home employees have engaged in nursing home abuse – two out of every three nursing home workers. Since many nursing home abuse victims are too scared or are unable to share they are being abused, knowing the signs to watch for is critical to keeping your loved one safe.
If your loved one shows any of the following, it could be an indication they are being targeted for abuse or neglect:
- Changes in your loved one’s personality or behavior
- Bruises
- Broken bones
- Depression
- Isolating themselves
- Anxiety
- Poor hygiene
- Loss of weight
- Bedsores
- Infections
Many abuse victims are afraid to tell anyone they are being abused because their abuser has threatened to hurt them even more, hurt their family, or other types of fear-inducing threats.
Contact a Nursing Home Abuse Law Firm for Legal Assistance
If you suspect your loved one is a victim of nursing home abuse, it is crucial to take immediate steps to protect them. A nursing home abuse lawyer will help you contact the proper authorities to report your suspicions. They will also explain to you what type of legal action your family may be able to pursue.
If you believe your loved one is in immediate danger, however, you should call 911 to report your suspicions and then contact an attorney.