No one wants to put their elderly loved on in a nursing home facility, but sometimes it is unavoidable. The elderly can require medical care or attention that loved ones just can not provide. When you make the decision to put your elderly loved one in a nursing home, you want to know that they are getting the best treatment possible. What if that nursing home is neglecting or abusing your loved one?
Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect
Not all nursing homes abuse or neglect their patients. However, nursing home abuse is a common problem in the U.S. Nursing home abuse or neglect often comes from an understaffed facilities. Since nursing homes are a business, employees are often cut to increase profit margins. Without the proper staff, employees can be worn thin. This can lead to neglect of patients; unintentionally or not.
Do You Think Your Elderly Loved One Is Being Abused or Neglected?
If you suspect that your elderly loved one is being abused or neglected, but they are not able to tell you themselves, there are signs you can look for. First, do you notice a chance in behavior? If your loved one seems sluggish, depressed, or not interested in visits they may be experiencing neglect. Often neglect takes on an emotional form and the victim can appear to be depressed.
There are also physically signs of neglect and abuse. Does your love one have any sores or scars they did not have on your last visit? Bed sores are very common in nursing homes. If you notice sores on your elderly loved one, they may be left in their bedding for too long.
What to do if Your Elderly Loved One Has Been a Victim of Neglect or Abuse
If you suspect your loved one has been a victim of neglect or abuse you should contact the North Carolina Department of Aging immediately and report the nursing home. Do not allow the abuse to go on any further.
You should also contact a personal injury attorney that is familiar with nursing home neglect. This injury attorney will be able to help you sort out the legalities of your claim and get your loved one the help they desperately need.
About the Editors: Shapiro, Cooper, Lewis & Appleton personal injury law firm (VA-NC law offices ) edits the injury law blogs Virginia Beach Injuryboard, Norfolk Injuryboard, and Northeast North Carolina Injuryboard as a pro bono service to consumers.
AC
One Comment
Josh P
Jim,
Great article. do you find that some residents or loved ones can be hesitant to report abuse for fear of retaliation?
I think one thing lacking in this industry is how hard it is to pierce that barrier between care facility and outside world.
That's what led us to develop http://www.Elderstep.com. Now residents and loved ones can speak candidly about the care they are receiving.
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