Nursing Home Accidents

A Nursing Home Should Be a Sanctuary of Care and Comfort

Nursing homes and assisted living facilities should serve as safe havens for our elderly and disabled loved ones, offering them exceptional service and personalized care. Unfortunately, each year, thousands of vulnerable senior citizens endure abuse and neglect within these long-term care settings.

At Gardi, Haught, Fischer & Bhosale LTD, our Nursing Home Accident Attorneys are dedicated to identifying signs of abuse or neglect, facilitating improvements in care, and pursuing compensation for injuries, medical expenses, and pain and suffering.

Recognizing the Various Forms of Nursing Home Neglect & Abuse

Nursing home abuse and negligence can manifest in various forms, including:

• Bed sores or ulcers
• Inadequate nutrition and hygiene
• Dehydration
• Physical or verbal abuse
• Medication errors
• Unexplained bruises, falls, fractures, or other severe injuries
• Sexual harassment or abuse
• Unjustified restraints
• Caregiver neglect
• Wrongful death

Detecting Indications of Nursing Home Neglect & Abuse

Given that your loved one may be unable to advocate for themselves, you must be aware of the signs of nursing home neglect and abuse. If you observe any indications of abuse or neglect or hold suspicions regarding such occurrences, do not hesitate to contact the relevant authorities. This may entail calling 911 or the police if you believe your loved one faces immediate danger.

Common signs of nursing home neglect and abuse include:

• Unexplained injuries of any nature
• Alterations in mood or behavior
• Reluctance to speak in the presence of a caregiver or staff member
• Sexual injuries or sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
• Over- or under-medication
• Generally unclean or poorly maintained facilities
• Soiled or unkempt bedding, linens, or attire
• Malnutrition or dehydration
• Sudden, unexplained fluctuations in weight
• Modifications in financial matters, including unexplained withdrawals from a checking account
• Adjustments to a will or trust

Understanding Different Forms of Nursing Home Abuse & Negligence

Nursing home mistreatment is a prevalent and serious issue in contemporary America, often concealed and affecting the most vulnerable members of our society. With the aging population and the inclusion of individuals with physical or mental disabilities in nursing homes, the need for quality care has never been more critical.

Here, we explore various types of nursing home mistreatment that demand attention and awareness. If you have concerns, it is crucial to consult with a nursing home abuse and accident attorney.

Physical Abuse

Physical abuse is the most overt form of mistreatment and includes actions such as hitting, pushing, kicking, slapping, unnecessary restraint use, shoving, and rough treatment. Residents may be too afraid to report these incidents, making it essential for family members to be vigilant for signs such as bruising, cuts, marks, broken bones, or lacerations. Prompt reporting to the nursing home’s management is imperative.

Mental and Emotional Abuse

Dependence on nursing home staff for basic needs makes residents susceptible to mental and emotional abuse. This can manifest as verbal abuse, belittling, name-calling, isolation, restricting enjoyable activities, verbal threats, and withholding essential resources. Signs may include fearful behavior, emotional withdrawal, depression, anxiety, and a loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities. Any signs of emotional or mental abuse should be reported to the nursing home’s management.

Sexual Abuse

Sexual abuse, though less commonly associated with nursing home residents, is a distressing reality. It can involve staff, visitors, or even other residents, encompassing rape, unwanted touching, and exposure of intimate parts. Vigilance and awareness are essential to prevent and report instances of sexual abuse promptly.

Neglect

Neglect, though not intentional harm, poses a significant threat, causing injuries or even death. Examples include inadequate hydration or nutrition, unnecessary isolation, medication errors, failure to provide routine medical treatment, and poor hygiene. Neglect demands accountability from nursing homes for resulting injuries or complications.

Injuries and Losses from Nursing Home Mistreatment

Residents subjected to mistreatment suffer various injuries and losses, including physical wounds, preventable medical complications, medication overdoses, emotional regression, sexually transmitted infections, PTSD, dehydration, and malnutrition. Nursing homes should cover all losses, including medical costs and pain and suffering.

Why Nursing Home Mistreatment is Underreported

Underreporting of nursing home mistreatment is a pervasive issue. Residents may be too embarrassed or afraid to report, unaware of the abuse, or lack the mental capacity to address it. Government reports indicate a concerning trend of underreporting by nursing homes to law enforcement or regulatory bodies, highlighting the need for increased vigilance and reporting mechanisms.

In conclusion, understanding the various forms of nursing home mistreatment is crucial for creating awareness and ensuring the safety and well-being of our elderly and vulnerable population. Vigilance, timely reporting, and holding facilities accountable are essential steps in addressing this serious issue.

Has a loved one been a victim of nursing home abuse? Connect with one of our Nursing Home Accident Lawyers for assistance.

Should you suspect that you or someone you know has experienced neglect or abuse within a nursing home facility, please promptly reach out to our Schaumburg Nursing Home Accident Attorneys at Gardi, Haught, Fischer & Bhosale LTD for a complimentary and confidential consultation. We are prepared to assist you in safeguarding your family and loved ones from harm, seeking justice, and securing fair compensation. We provide free initial consultations, and our fees are contingent on successfully attaining the compensation you seek.

Contact us today to speak with one of our experienced and aggressive Nursing Home Accident Lawyers at (847) 944-9400
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