The Firm provides services in elder litigation, which include Nursing Home Abuse cases and Estate Litigation, which includes will contests and actions for accountings. Click here to find out how to receive a Free consultation and a Free Consumer’s Guide to Understanding and Protecting Nursing Home Residents Rights.

PROTECTING NURSING HOME RESIDENTS FROM ABUSE

Residents of nursing homes enjoy the same constitutional and civil rights they had when they were living in their own homes. In fact, residents are protected by state and federal laws which recognize their vulnerability.

There are several different types of abuse that can occur in a nursing home. The most obvious type of abuse is physical abuse. Such abuse includes assault, physically restraining/confining the patient, forcible feeding, forcible medication, over medication, sexual molestation, prolonged intervals between injury and treatment, and frequent changes in doctors.

The signs of physical abuse are often readily apparent. They can include cuts, scrapes, burns, puncture wounds, and marks indicating restraints were used. They can also include bruises, discoloration, and swelling.

Other types of abuse that are more difficult to detect include:

Psychological abuse. Such abuse can include threats made to the elder, humiliation, and/or verbal abuse. The warning signs of such abuse include hesitation to talk openly, agitation, depression, and implausible stories.

Neglect. Neglect includes the withholding of treatment, such as a failure to administer medications, failure to provide assistance with daily living activities, withholding of food, and failure to provide basic needs, including medicine. The warning signs of neglect include malnourishment, dehydration, weight loss, and bed sores.

Financial Abuse. Financial abuse consists of caregivers coercing elders into selling their property, gifting or loaning them money. The warning signs of financial abuse include the elder not being able to explain the disappearance of funds in the bank account, personal property missing, and the elder being unable to pay his or her bills.

If you have a loved one who you believe is the victim of such abuse, you should consult with an attorney.

Click here to obtain a FREE consultation and to get a copy of a Consumer’s Guide to Understanding and Protecting Nursing Home Residents’ Rights.