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Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp
(833) 997-1774

The issue of nursing home abuse first gained the public’s attention almost 50 years ago. Unfortunately, the incidents of nursing home abuse and neglect have continued to increase each year. As the elderly population increases each year, so too does the number of nursing home abuse victims. The need for good quality nursing home facilities has been unable to keep up with the ever-increasing elderly demographic. Combined with stressful working conditions, low pay, and shortages of staff have led to the nursing home abuse epidemic the country is facing today.

If you suspect your elderly loved one is a victim of nursing home abuse or neglect, it is important to reach out to a Virginia Beach nursing home abuse lawyer from Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp right away.

What Are the Types of Abuse That Occur?

There are several types of abuse a victim may be exposed to:

Physical Abuse

Physical abuse includes shoving, hitting, pushing, biting, or beating a physical abuse victim. Physical abuse can also include force-feeding the resident or inappropriate use of drugs.

Emotional Abuse

The actions of nursing home staff do not have to be just physical to be considered abuse. Ways that staff emotionally abuse residents include verbal and nonverbal acts to humiliate, intimidate, or insult the resident.

Sexual Abuse

This happens when a resident is the victim of non-consensual sexual contact. Some signs a resident may be a sexual abuse victim include bruising around the genital area or breasts, genital infections, and bloody or torn underclothing.

Financial Abuse

Financial abuse by nursing home staff is on the rise. This happens when unauthorized persons access the resident’s assets, funds, or property.

What Are the Signs of Nursing Home Abuse?

It can be very difficult for a family to determine that their elderly loved one is being abused, especially if family members live a distance away and are unable to visit on a regular basis. However, families must remain vigilant. If there are any suspicions that your loved one is being abused or neglected, go with those instincts and investigate. If you see any of these signs, there is a strong indication that abuse or neglect is occurring:

  • Mental confusion, weight loss, and dry, fragile skin: If you notice any changes in skin condition and weight of your loved one, this could be a warning of dehydration and/or malnutrition. Slurred speech and chapped lips are also signs.
  • Decline in mental health: Emotional health is also a strong indicator something is wrong. If your loved one is showing signs of emotional distress – agitation, depression, withdrawal – they may be a victim of abuse. Isolating themselves, lashing out, and difficulty sleeping should also raise red flags.
  • Unexplained physical injuries: These include bruises and bedsores
  • Mismanagement of medication: Unmarked prescription bottles or outdated medication indicated neglect or abuse.

How to Talk to a Loved One About Suspected Abuse

One of the reasons that nursing home abuse is so prevalent is that it is sometimes difficult to communicate with your loved ones who are residents in nursing homes. Some seniors may be suffering from dementia or Alzheimer’s, while others may be altogether non-verbal. Some might be separated from you by distance, while others may be difficult to talk to openly due to generational differences.

Whatever the barriers, however, it is vital for you to talk to your loved one about nursing home abuse if you can. Here are some helpful tips:

  • Make sure that there aren’t distractions in the room, such as a TV or other people. With just the two of you in a quiet room, it can be easier to focus on the conversation and what it means.
  • Don’t condescend to your loved one, even if you are now in the position of caretaker. Show them respect and love and listen to their needs. They may be trying to tell you something. Be sure to hear it when they do.
  • Talk to them openly about your concerns, and don’t hesitate to ask them direct or sensitive questions. Be aware, however, that they grew up in a different time and that they may not feel comfortable sharing information, specifically about any elder sexual abuse that may be taking place.
  • Spend time with your loved one as much as you can. They are likelier to be open with you if they are comfortable with you, even regarding unpleasant topics.
  • Financial elder abuse is more common than you might think. Ask questions if you see your loved one becoming particularly close with a staff member, and make sure you listen when they answer. Be aware of missing objects or money disappearing from bank accounts without reason.​
  • If your loved one has suffered a drastic mood change, that may be their way of communicating a problem to you, even if they can’t say it in words. Be aware of their wellbeing, even if you can’t ask them how they are feeling.

Let a Skilled Virginia Nursing Home Abuse Attorney Help

If your elderly loved one has been the victim of nursing home abuse or neglect, a Virginia Beach nursing home abuse attorney from our firm can explain what legal recourse your family may have. At Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp, we have been aggressively advocating for victims for almost four decades and have helped many nursing home abuse victims receive compensation for their injuries, like the $300,000 arbitration award we obtained for one client who suffered a fall from her bed resulting in a serious fracture of her left tibia and fibula, resulting in amputation of her leg.

Contact our office today to set up a free and confidential consultation with one of our dedicated nursing home abuse attorneys.

 

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