Many of our elderly loved ones are living in nursing homes or other elder care facilities because we trust that these caregivers will provide them with quality, round-the-clock care. Unfortunately, many nursing homes have minimal requirements for hiring staff — resulting in poor quality of, or negligent, care. It is important to know that your loved ones are protected under various State Statutes from negligent or abusive treatment by nursing homes.
Symptoms of Elder Abuse
The following are some possible symptoms of abuse or neglect:
- Family complaints are ignored
- Complaints that there were not enough nurses on staff to give your loved one a bath
- Your loved one has an unkempt appearance
- Evidence of improper hygiene: dirty face, food in dentures, loved one sleeping in soiled bedclothes
- Unexplained falls, bruises, or broken bones
- Bedsores on buttocks, legs, and heels
- Dry caked lips, and other signs of thirst and dehydration
- Personal injury (brain injury, spinal cord injury)
- Wrongful death
Types of Elder Abuse Cases
Some types of elder abuse cases include:
- Financial Abuse
- Physical Abuse
- Emotional or Psychological Abuse
- Neglect or Abandonment
There have also been reported instances of elder abuse involving “false charting,” that is, the nursing home staff make entries or changes to a patient’s chart to cover their errors after a patient has died, or their condition has worsened.
Elder Abuse Lawyer
If you or a loved one has been a victim of elder abuse or nursing home neglect, it is recommended that you consult with an experienced elder abuse lawyer to learn more about your legal rights.
Related Articles
- Elder abuse is a form of malpractice. Learn more about your legal rights.
- Those involved in elder abuse cases may be charged with a crime.
