Nursing Home Abuse
When you place an elderly loved one in the care of a nursing home or assisted living facility, you are placing a great deal of trust in the caregivers there. Unfortunately, neglect and abuse are far too common at nursing home facilities across the nation. According to the National Center on Elder Abuse, over 30% of all nursing homes in the United States are involved in some form of resident abuse, and over 50% of all nursing homes are understaffed.
The Rights of Nursing Home Residents
The Nursing Home Reform Act is a series of amendments that were established to protect the rights of nursing home residents. These rights include:
- A clean and safe environment
- Proper medical care
- Privacy
- The ability to make decisions about care
- Being treated with dignity and respect
- A certain amount of daily attention
- Freedom from abuse or neglect
Unfortunately, nursing home abuse can be difficult to identify when it happen. Many times, the victim is either too afraid to speak out, or unable to because of their condition.
Signs of Abuse and Neglect
Nursing home neglect can be just as life-threatening as outright abuse, but it may be harder to detect. When you visit your loved one’s nursing home facility, be on the lookout for common signs of abuse, such as:
- Unexplained bruises or marks
- Bedsores (pressure ulcers)
- Sudden behavioral changes
- Staff refusing to allow visitors, or delaying visits
- Staff not allowing resident to be alone with visitor
- Overmedication
Financial abuse can also occur in a nursing home environment. Sometimes, caregivers or even relatives will take control of a bank account and exploit it. If you notice unpaid bills, missing property, or unusual bank account activity, don’t hesitate to investigate the situation with the help of an experienced nursing home abuse attorney.
If you suspect your loved one may be suffering from nursing home abuse or neglect, please contact Shevin Law Firm today at (561) 409-0138 to schedule a free case evaluation. We represent nursing home abuse victims in Boca Raton, Miami, Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach and throughout Florida.