Nursing home abuse and neglect can result in serious harm and even death to older individuals. It is essential for anyone who notices or suspects this type of abuse to report it right away and ensure the facilities are held accountable. Keep reading to learn more about reporting nursing home abuse and why speaking up sooner rather than later is so important.
Despite what anyone may say, nursing home abuse is serious. As time passes, it can get worse and even become fatal if someone does not take a stand. For those who suspect nursing home abuse, they can contact an attorney from https://www.kanialaw.com/personal-injury-law/nursing-home-negligence-attorneys for help. While this is beneficial, the first step is to learn what nursing home abuse and neglect can look like.
Types and Warning Signs of Nursing Home Abuse
In some cases, when people think about nursing home abuse, they immediately think of physical harm to an elderly individual. However, this is not always the case. The definition of abuse and neglect can be much broader.
In addition to physical harm to a senior, nursing home abuse can take on several other forms. One is neglect. This is when a patient does not have the care they require. In most cases, it means that a resident’s personal safety or emotional or physical needs are being met.
Another type of nursing home abuse is sexual abuse. If an older adult is taken advantage of sexually, either through abusing their inability to provide consent, force, or coercion. Unfortunately, this is a common issue for patients dealing with a degenerative neurological disorder, such as Alzheimer’s or dementia.
Emotional abuse may also occur. It can cause mental anguish that results from threats and insults. The last type of nursing home abuse is financial. This is when staff members begin to steal money from elderly individuals.
The Importance of Documenting Signs of Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect
If family members believe their loved one has been abused, they should note these signs when they suspect something. It is important to keep track of the signs of this abuse, making the reporting process much easier down the road. The proper documentation will also help to strengthen the case during a lawsuit or criminal investigation.
When documenting these events, write down the first signs of negative changes in the elderly individual. Be sure to include as much detail as possible, which includes times and dates. In some cases, it is a good idea to take pictures of the evidence.
Hire an Attorney for Help
When it comes to cases of nursing home abuse, hiring an attorney can be quite beneficial. Being informed is the best way to know when to take action and help an elderly loved one who may be in this situation. In the long run, the right legal advice will be invaluable for proving a case of nursing home abuse or neglect. These cases can be complex, so keep this in mind.
