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Unfortunately for many, a time comes when our parents or other loved ones can no longer be cared for at home or without assistance. You, together with your family, your loved one, and your loved one’s doctors must make an educated and responsible decision to admit your loved one to a nursing home in which he or she receives the compassionate and thorough care that’s needed to live safely and with dignity.
The experienced nursing home abuse and neglect attorneys of Hupy and Abraham have many resources available to help if you or a loved one have been the victim of abuse or neglect. We believe that everyone should be treated with dignity and those who have been victims of nursing home neglect or abuse should be able to recover from the preventable injuries that they suffered.
Many people discover that their loved one has been the victim of nursing home abuse or neglect when the loved one may have suffered a physical injury or died as a result. Nursing home abuse and neglect cases can be difficult because they exhibit many signs and symptoms, present themselves in many ways, and have multiple causes. Consider, for example, some of the injuries that can result from neglect or abuse in a nursing home:
- Falls
- Avoidable bedsores
- Dehydration or malnourishment
- Injury or illness as a result of medication errors
- Broken bones or hypothermia as a result of wandering or elopement
- Infections
These injuries may be caused by understaffing, poorly trained staff, negligent staff, abusive staff, or a variety of other reasons that may be unique to each person. These are completely avoidable occurrences that can severely jeopardize the health and safety of you or your loved one.
According to the National Center on Elder Abuse, a study found that 44 percent of nursing home residents report abuse and 95 percent report neglect of themselves or other residents within the past year. And there are many more startling statistics. It is now believed that the majority of nursing home abuse and neglect complaints are not actually reported to the appropriate authorities.
To prevent abuse and neglect:
- Report any and all incidents immediately.
- Thoroughly research a facility before beginning the admittance process, and be sure to call or visit loved ones regularly afterward.
- Check to see if the facility has recently committed any violations.
- Raise awareness about the problem. World Elder Abuse Awareness day is June 15.
One of the many reasons people decide a nursing home is the best place for a loved one, rather than their own home, is the degree of safety and care that is difficult to provide at home. To prevent your loved one from experiencing abuse or neglect, great care should be taken in the selection of a nursing home facility. There are 10 rights that all nursing home facilities are required by law to provide residents. Visit Hupy.com to read more about selecting a safe and responsible nursing home for your loved on.
Ultimately, regardless of the preventative measures you’ve taken, there is still a possibility that your loved one will experience some form of abuse or neglect in a nursing home or long-term care facility. If that is the case, please remember the reporting of abuse or neglect is essential.
We hope this information can help. But, if you or your loved one have been hurt by the negligent or abusive actions of a nursing home or its staff, or you have any questions about nursing home abuse or neglect, please contact the experienced attorneys of Hupy and Abraham at 800-800-5678. Or, start a live chat with us anytime at Hupy.com.
