As time goes on and our loved ones get older, we may find ourselves needing to place them in a nursing home to ensure their needs are met such as medical treatment or 24-hour monitoring. We place significant trust in these facilities to care for our elderly family members. Unfortunately, many facilities fail to provide appropriate care, potentially resulting in abuse.
If you suspect that your loved one may be a victim of mistreatment by nursing home staff, it is crucial to take immediate action to protect them and notify the appropriate authorities. Contacting a Bear nursing home abuse lawyer can help you and your family seek restitution for the harm inflicted. Call Doroshow, Pasquale, Krawitz, & Bhaya today to begin working with an experienced personal injury attorney.
Recognizing Signs of Abuse
Abuse in an assisted living space can often go unnoticed because family members are not always present to witness misconduct. Additionally, elderly individuals may struggle to recognize or communicate mistreatment, either due to their inability to stand up for themselves or because the abuse occurs out of their sight. In severe cases, a loved one may be unable to convey that their caregiver is being abusive or neglectful.
Family members should be vigilant for signs of potential abuse and understand the different types of misconduct that can occur in nursing homes.
Physical Abuse
Physical abuse may involve hitting, shoving, or restraining residents to a bed. This type of abuse might be more apparent through unexplained bruising, cuts, or broken bones.
Emotional Abuse
Emotional abuse, which can be less visible, might involve degrading or humiliating language, yelling, and bullying behavior such as hiding medication or assistive devices. Since emotional abuse often occurs away from witnesses, it is essential to watch for signs of mental harm, such as depression, withdrawal, or visible fear.
Financial Abuse
Financial exploitation is another serious concern, though it may not always be immediately evident. This form of abuse can include missing cash, unexplained withdrawals, or changes in insurance policies. Financial exploitation is particularly insidious because it can continue unnoticed for an extended period.
Understanding Neglect
Mistreatment in assisted living facilities can also stem from neglect, which differs from abuse. While abuse typically involves direct harmful actions like hitting or stealing, neglect involves failing to provide necessary care. Neglect might be more prevalent than abuse, as elderly individuals rely heavily on nursing home staff for their needs. Examples of neglect include leaving rooms or beds dirty, failing to change residents into clean clothes, or not administering required medication.
Facility-wide neglect can also be an issue. For example, if a nursing home fails to repair faulty electrical systems or does not maintain adequate heating or air conditioning, this could be considered neglect. Unsafe living conditions that put residents at risk are also a form of neglect.
Report Suspected Caregiver Abuse or Neglect to a Bear Attorney
If you suspect that your loved one is being mistreated at their assisted living facility, it is important to report your concerns. The Division of Long-Term Care Residents’ Protection, part of the Delaware Health and Social Services, is the primary state agency for addressing nursing home abuse and neglect.
Additionally, consulting with a Bear nursing home abuse lawyer can provide crucial support in protecting your loved one. A dedicated attorney with experience in caregiver misconduct can evaluate your situation and recommend appropriate actions to hold the facility and its staff accountable. Reach out to Doroshow, Pasquale, Krawitz, & Bhaya to discuss your loved one’s situation and explore your legal options.