When you moved your loved one into a nursing home or long-term care facility, you believed this would be a safe place that would treat your loved one well and take care of her needs.
Now you either know or suspect that something is wrong.
Elder abuse in nursing homes and long-term care facilities is common. Unfortunately, it is much too common.
In most cases it is the families who have to monitor the care their loved one is getting. Sometimes it isn't easy to really tell if elder abuse or nursing home neglect is happening.
What is Elder Abuse and Nursing Home Neglect?
We call it elder abuse -- or nursing home neglect -- when an individual who is elderly, or vulnerable because of their health, receives inadequate care or is taken advantage of.
Elder abuse can be:
- Physical
- Mental
- Financial
Sometimes the nursing home resident is not fully aware of what is happening to them. Others might be too afraid or too confused to tell you what is happening to them.
If your loved one suffers from some degree of dementia or confusion, they might try to tell you, but, understandably, you may not be sure how much to believe.
The Signs of Elder Abuse and Nursing Home Neglect
It is important that you look for signs of elder abuse or nursing home neglect.
These often include:
- Unexplained bruises, lacerations, scratches, cuts, pinch marks, rope burns.
- Bruises around breast or genitals, unexplained vaginal or anal bleeding, or torn, stained and bloody clothing.
- Frequent falls or unexplained fractures.
- Weight loss.
- Bedsores, particularly on buttocks, heels, elbows, shoulder blades, or hips.
- Dehydration, including dry and cracked lips.
- Malnutrition.
- Restraints used in place of caring for your loved one.
- Signs of feces or urine on your family member, including the smell of urine in the facility.
- Poor hygiene.
- Unexplained personality changes
What You Can Do
If you suspect elder abuse or nursing home neglect, you must take action. Your family member is dependent on you for protecting them.
First, take photographs of any bruises on your loved one or the conditions you find them in.
Secondly, talk to the nurses, aides, and other residents. Try to find out what happened. Speak to the director of the home immediately.
Follow up with your meeting with the director with a letter documenting your concerns and any agreements the director made to you.
If the situation is not resolved, contact elder abuse attorney Bill Newkirk at the Law Offices of William H. Newkirk.
Free Consultation with an Elder Abuse Attorney
Bill Newkirk is experienced in representing people who have suffered elder abuse or nursing home neglect.
He is familiar with elder law and with the pressures you are under to care for your elderly family member.
Contact Bill Newkirk at the Law Offices of William H. Newkirk for a free, no-obligation consultation.
How Much Will an Elder Abuse Case Cost?
In most cases, the Law Offices of William H. Newkirk takes elder abuse and nursing home neglect cases on a contingency basis. This means you pay no fees until the matter has been resolved.
