Posted on Monday, June 25th, 2018 at 4:18 am
The thought of a nursing home patient or resident in an assisted living facility being abused or neglected fills most people with rage and extreme sadness. You can do something to prevent nursing home abuse. Learn the signs of elder abuse and neglect. When you visit your family members and friends, carefully look for any sign of abuse or neglect. Report abuse or neglect immediately and contact our Sacramento nursing home abuse attorney to discuss your options for legal action against the facility and the parties responsible for the abuse.
Signs of Elder Abuse and Nursing Home Neglect
The signs of abuse and neglect in nursing homes can be subtle. Because nursing home patients may not be able to communicate sufficiently to let loved ones or others know they are being abused or neglected, it is crucial that you watch for the signs of nursing home abuse and act quickly to protect your loved one if you suspect abuse or neglect in a nursing home or assisted care facility.
There are several types of elder abuse and nursing home abuse. Physical and emotional abuse tend to be some of the most common types of abuse. However, sexual abuse, verbal abuse, financial abuse, and neglect are also types of abuse patients may suffer in an assisted living facility or nursing home.
Some of the common signs of nursing home abuse include:
- Sudden weight loss or refusal to eat
- Property or money has disappeared
- Bruises, lacerations, bedsores, or other unexplained injuries or health conditions
- Sexually transmitted diseases or infections
- Body odor, dirty clothes, and dirty linens
- Food that smells rotten or burnt
- Fear of staff or other patients
- Crying and begging you not to leave
- Changes in sleeping habits
- Confusion and depression not associated with an illness
- Withdraws from others and stops taking part in activities
If you are suspicious for any reason, it is best to act on your suspicions. Contact local law enforcement agencies and social services to report the abuse. If you believe there is a threat of immediate danger, stay with the patient until police arrive. In cases of immediate danger, stay with the patient until the police arrive.
For more information on nursing home abuse and neglect, you can visit the websites for the National Institute on Aging or National Center on Elder Abuse.
Is There a Legal Option I Need to Pursue?
Absolutely! If your family member has been abused or neglected by the facility and individuals charged with his or her care, you definitely need to pursue legal action for several reasons. First, you need to remove your family member from the facility to a safe location. Beginning a legal action could make this step easier.
Second, your loved one deserves compensation for the pain and fear caused by the abusers. The money will not erase the abuse, but it can help with future costs. Third, you want to expose the facility and the workers so that other patients and families do not suffer from nursing home abuse and neglect.
Call a Sacramento Nursing Home Abuse Attorney
Our Sacramento nursing home abuse lawyers are here to help you protect your loved one and hold parties responsible for the abuse accountable and liable for their negligent and intentional acts. For a free legal consultation, you can contact The Tiemann Law Firm by calling (916) 999-9000 or by visiting our website.
