Although most nursing homes enforce strict codes of conduct for their employees and safety standards for their residents, our elderly loved ones may still at be at risk for abuse and neglect. Often, this mistreatment is due to improperly trained, overworked, or unethical employees.
There are many types of abuse, including physical abuse, verbal abuse, and financial abuse. Neglect can range from not providing a patient with nutritious meals or sufficient exercise to failing to socialize a patient or prevent the development of bedsores. If your loved one has fallen victim to nursing home abuse, the medical malpractice lawyers at Gacovino, Lake & Associates can help. To schedule a private consultation with an experienced attorney, contact us today.
Types of Nursing Home Abuse
Sadly, abuse and neglect of our elders is not an uncommon practice. In fact, nursing home abuse can take many forms, such as:
Physical Abuse
Physical abuse is one of the more obvious forms of nursing home abuse. Some of the sign and symptoms to watch out for include:
- Bruises
- Open sores
- Unexplained broken bones
- Sprains, dislocations
- Internal injuries such as bleeding
- Broken eye glasses
- Restrain marks on the wrists or elsewhere
Sexual Abuse
Sexual abuse occurs when employees have non-consensual sexual contact with a resident of the nursing home. Signs and symptoms may include:
- Bruising on the breast or genital area
- Unexplained infection or venereal disease
- Vaginal or anal bleeding/ signs of tenderness
Emotional Abuse
Emotional abuse can occur in a number of ways such as:
- Verbal threats, assault and insults
- Public humiliation
- Intimidation by employees or other residents
- Isolation from resident activities
- Not allowing visits from friends and family
Nursing Home Neglect
Neglect is a form of elder abuse. The term is used to define any refusal or failure to fulfill any part of a worker’s obligation or duties.
For instance, neglect occurs when an employee fails to provide a resident with the following necessities:
- Food
- Water
- Medication
- Showers
- Safety
- Fresh sheets and/or clothing
- Personal hygiene
- Comfort and care
Sadly there are several ways in which nursing home abuse can occur. Some of the most common signs to look out for include a sudden change in behavior, refusal to see friends and family and friends, and other emotional changes such as unexplained sadness, depression and withdrawal.
Our Elders Are Counting On You
Many times, victims of nursing home abuse and neglect will be too afraid to report incidents of wrongdoing. So, it is up to you to pay attention to the signs and symptoms. If you suspect any wrongdoing, don’t wait.
Contact the medical malpractice lawyers at Gacovino, Lake & Associates for help. We will conduct a thorough investigation to expose any wrongdoing that may have occurred. If our investigators and attorneys conclude that abuse or neglect has occurred, we will fight aggressively and relentlessly to ensure all responsible parties are held accountable.
