According to the National Center on Elder Abuse, over 20,000 residents of nursing homes suffer from nursing home abuse on an annual basis. In addition, 90% of all nursing homes in the nation are staffed lower than required for adequate care of its residents. Because of this, many victims and loved ones are forced to file lawsuits against nursing homes and its employees for abuse, neglect, and mistreatment.
Nursing home abuse takes form in many ways. Some forms are nursing home abuse are obvious, such as bruises, welts, and cuts. However, other forms are of nursing home abuse are not as easy to detect, and in many instances, loved ones are completely unaware. For example, nursing home residents have the right to live in a clean and sterilized environment, yet a plethora of nursing homes are unkempt and unsanitary. Residents also have the right to have access to social activities, yet many victims are left alone in their rooms for days on end. Additionally, residents have the right to seek medical assistance from a hospital or physician, yet in some instances, caregivers fail to respond to requests, telling residents that they are fine.
If you have a loved one in a nursing home, it’s crucial to always be alert for any signs of neglect and abuse. With the high rate of nursing home abuse going on, you can’t ever be too careful. Keep an eye out for any of the following:
- Unexplained bruises, marks, or welts
- Anxiety and nervousness, especially when your loved one is around a caregiver
- Unkempt clothing, poor hygiene, and/or soiled linens
- Drastic weight loss
- Dehydration and/or malnutrition
- Loss of interest in usual activites
- Bed sores and other open wounds
If you feel that your loved one has been a victim of nursing home abuse and neglect, it’s important to seek the assistance of a professional nursing home abuse lawyers. All nursing homes have guidelines and mandated laws to follow, many of which the average person is unaware of. An experienced nursing home attorney will be able to help you understand your rights.
Here at The Ledger Law Firm, our nursing home abuse lawyers understand what it’s like to have a loved one that is suffering at the hands of negligent caregivers in a nursing home. We’ve helped countless clients win their cases and the maximum financial compensation they were entitled to. Contact us today and let us work on helping you and your loved one.
