Posted on Wednesday, February 17th, 2016 at 6:12 pm
No one wants to place a loved one in a nursing home; unfortunately, there are times when it cannot be avoided. In some cases, your loved one needs constant personal and/or medical care that you are unable to provide. In those cases, a nursing home may be the best solution for a difficult situation. When you must place your loved one in a nursing home, it is vital that you take steps to ensure your love done does not become a victim of nursing home abuse.
According to the National Center on Elder Abuse, approximately one-third of nursing homes have been cited for violations of federal standards. Over forty percent of nursing home residents report they have been abused and ninety-five percent of residents report they have been neglected. Over one-half of nursing home staff members have admitted to mistreating patients. With these alarming statistics, how can you protect your loved one from nursing home abuse? Visit often, visit at odd times, and be vigilant in watching for signs of nursing home abuse.
Commons Signs of Nursing Home Abuse
Nursing home abuse and neglect can take many forms; therefore, the signs of nursing home abuse will depend on the type of abuse or neglect. Trust your instincts and report any behavior that is suspicious to the appropriate state agencies. Some of the common signs of abuse you should look for include but are not limited to:
- Bedsores, bruises, fractures, wounds, or other injuries with no logical explanation;
- Repeated and/or unexplained infections;
- Fear of physical contact;
- Social withdrawal and/or fearful attitude;
- Unexplained weight gain or weight loss;
- Unsanitary conditions (i.e. soiled bedclothes and/or soiled bedding);
- Medical inconsistencies such as forgotten doses or overdoses;
- Isolation from caregivers and/or other patients;
- Begging family members and friends not to leave them at the nursing home;
- Constant complaints by the patient of abuse and/or neglect; and,
- Fear of nursing home staff members.
Resources for Families of Nursing Home Patients
There are several resources you can use to protect your loved one in a California nursing home. The California Department of Public Health provides a list of Nursing Home AA Citations by County on its website. You should also read and be familiar with the Nursing Home Residents Rights for California nursing homes. You can also find valuable information and resources about nursing homes through the Medicare website.
Do You Need a Sacramento Nursing Home Abuse Attorney?
Call (916) 999-9000 or chat with a representative on our website to schedule a free consultation with one of our elder abuse attorneys. Even if you are unsure, it is best to discuss your situation with an experienced nursing home abuse lawyer. We can advise you of your legal options to protect your loved one from elder abuse.
You and your loved one have the right to expect the nursing home and the nursing home staff will take all precautions and steps to protect your loved one and ensure that your loved one receives competent medical and personal care. When a nursing home fails to protect its patients, that nursing home and the responsible individuals must be held accountable for their actions or inactions. Nursing home abuse lawsuits not only punish guilty parties, they serve as a stern reminder to other facilities that California will not tolerate elder abuse and nursing home neglect.
