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Nursing Home Abuse And Neglect

Our aging population increasingly finds itself in nursing homes and for-profit facilities for long-term care. Families, no longer able to care for a loved one, presume that nursing homes and retirement centers are safe and healthy long-term options. Unfortunately, elder abuse and exploitation are increasing at an alarming rate. In an effort to save money, many nursing homes hire poorly trained and unqualified staff to meet the day-to-day needs of its patients.

The National Center on Elder Abuse reports some alarming statistics:

  • Conservative estimates suggest between one and two million people over 65 years of age have been injured, exploited or mistreated by someone they depended on for care.
  • It is also estimated that for every one reported case of elder abuse and neglect, at least five cases go unreported.
  • In 2003, the center investigated over 20,000 cases of abuse and gross neglect in nursing home settings and found that physical abuse was the most common type of abuse reported.

Also, a recent Brown University study of nursing home patients found a higher percentage of nursing home abuse and neglect among minority patients. This is not to say that nursing home abuse is racially motivated. The results could stem from the economic reality that racial minorities are more likely to reside in nursing homes that are underfunded and poorly run.

If you or a loved one has been subjected to abuse or neglect at a nursing home or senior living facility, contact our Cranston nursing home abuse attorney at 401-740-3122 today.

What Is Nursing Home Abuse/Neglect?

Nursing home abuse and/or neglect is any instance in which a nursing home or its staff fail to provide the proper standard of care for its residents/patients. There are many different types of abuse that can occur.

Examples of nursing home abuse and neglect include:

  • Physical abuse
  • Emotional abuse, including verbal insults and threats, or forced isolation
  • Sexual abuse
  • Financial exploitation
  • Failure to medicate and properly monitor

If you believe you are a victim of any of the above, or you suspect that your loved one is suffering nursing home negligence, do not delay – contact The Law Offices of Joseph Lamy for a free consultation today.

How To Recognize Signs Of Nursing Home Abuse

In many cases, residents are not able to or unwilling to speak out against nursing home abuse or neglect. For this reason, it’s critically important that you are able to recognize the signs of nursing home abuse so that you can quickly take action on behalf of your loved one.

Signs of nursing home abuse and neglect include:

  • Bed sores
  • Infections
  • Dehydration
  • Malnutrition
  • Fractures
  • Falls
  • Unusual behavioral changes
  • Over/under medication
  • Death

What Can You Do To Prevent Nursing Home Abuse/Neglect?

One of the primary concerns of anyone who has a loved one residing at a nursing home or other senior living facility is how nursing home abuse can be avoided. There are a few measures you can take to limit the possibility of neglect and/or abuse.

  • When selecting a nursing home for your loved one, read reviews of the facility, tour the home in-person, and ask questions of the staff and current residents, if possible.
  • Keep in contact – If you have a loved one in a nursing or retirement home, ask them about their experiences and keep an open line of communication. A patient with a highly involved family is less likely to be abused or neglected.
  • Report neglect and abuse to the appropriate state agencies. You can refer to the National Center for Elder Abuse website for information on the proper agencies to contact.

We all need to be aware of this problem. The elderly are vulnerable and may need someone to act on their behalf. If you believe that a loved one has suffered any form of nursing home abuse or neglect, take the appropriate steps to remedy the situation and call our office for a free consultation with our Rhode Island nursing home abuse and neglect attorney.

Reach us at 401-740-3122 to discuss your situation with our team today. We are available for our clients 24 hours a day, seven days a week.