What to Do When You Suspect Nursing Home Abuse
For many elders, the much anticipated leisure life of the “Golden Years” is anything but leisurely. Instead of living independently, some elders rely on their children or grandchildren to provide care for them. Others are among the thousands of people who turn to nursing homes for skilled care. The latest reports from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) indicate that about 82% of the 16,000 nursing home beds are occupied.
As the nation grows older, so do incidents of elder abuse. In fact, some six million people over the age of 65 suffer abuse every year. Unfortunately, a significant amount of elder abuse occurs in nursing homes. However, this type of abuse is one of the most under-reported crimes. Reports estimate between one and two million elder Americans suffer injuries or financial or other types of exploitation or mistreatment by a caregiver or someone they trust.
Nursing home residents expect to receive skilled care and, in some cases, medical services. Florida law requires nursing home facilities to establish patients’ rights policies and nursing homes can be held liable for violating a patient’s rights.
Signs of abuse
Incidences of nursing home abuse can go undetected because the injuries may be hidden from public view. It is imperative for anyone with aging parents or loved ones to recognize the signs of nursing home abuse. If you suspect elder abuse based on the following signs, the Tampa nursing home abuse and neglect lawyers will ensure that your loved ones receive proper medical attention and compensation for their injuries.
Neglect
- Lack of personal care and hygiene
- Sunken eyes, a sign of malnourishment
- Extreme thirst – dehydration
- Pressure sores – commonly known as bed sores
Physical Abuse
- Scratches, bruises, cuts, etc.
- Rope burns, welts, or gag marks
- Unexplained injuries
Financial exploitation
- Unusual, large or frequent withdraws from ATM
- Financial statements delivered to someone other than the elder
- Missing personal belongings, such as jewelry or art
- Caregiver isolates the senior
Nursing home abuse violates the patient’s trust and the law. Injuries can range from broken bones to premature deaths. Protect your loved one from abuse and neglect by watching for any of these signs.
Contact our Tampa injury lawyers today for a free consultation about nursing home abuse or neglect
The skilled attorneys at Larson Johnson, P.L . will thoroughly investigate your nursing home abuse or neglect claims. We use our knowledge of the laws and years of experience to recover full compensation for our client who suffer from injuries.