Nursing Home Abuse
Philadelphia Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer
When you place a loved one in a nursing home or assisted living facility, you trust that the facility will provide proper care. Unfortunately, the trust you place in these institutions is sometimes unwarranted. Whether due to inadequate staffing, poor training, inattention to detail, and at times even intentionally malicious behavior, the care provided by nursing homes sometimes falls short. Elder care facilities that fail to provide proper care are in breach of your trust and the law. If your loved one was a victim of elder abuse or neglect, a Philadelphia nursing home abuse lawyer at Kane & Silverman can help.
Our nursing home abuse lawyers in Philadelphia, PA and Marlton, NJ aim to improve nursing home care by bringing justice to those who violate standards. When we hold negligent nursing homes liable, other facilities are influenced to act in accordance with regulations. This can help protect nursing home residents from abuse or neglect in the future.
Why Does Nursing Home Abuse Happen?
Many nursing home residents are vulnerable and can no longer care for themselves. The cruel reality is that sometimes people prey on those who are vulnerable and defenseless. Nursing home abuse can occur from a staff member or even another resident. Abuse from other residents could result from the negligence of nursing home staff or security.
Elder neglect may occur if there are not enough health professionals to care for the residents. In understaffed nursing homes, it’s your loved ones who suffer. Some assisted living facilities are poorly staffed with employees who have inadequate training or are prone to violence.
Some elderly victims won’t complain about the behavior they’re enduring out of fear of repercussions. When people aren’t aware that abuse is happening, nursing homes continue getting away with it.
Types and Signs of Elder Abuse
Nursing home abuse is not always easy to discover, but it does help to know the warning signs. Some signs are subtle while others are more noticeable. Often, victims become depressed, easily agitated, lose weight or have high anxiety. If you notice any warning signs, talk to your loved one and let them know that help is available.
It’s important for you to explain to your loved one that they should feel comfortable talking to you about any deficiencies in their care. They also must understand that you will take those concerns seriously.
Physical
Often times, the victims of physical abuse are the ones who are most vulnerable. This includes those living with disabilities or dementia. It is important for you to know common signs of physical abuse which include:
- unexplained contusions (bruises), burns, cuts, or broken bones
- frequent injuries or abrasions
- unexplained agitation or fearfulness
- bloody or torn clothing
- frequent arguments or tension between caregiver or resident
- staff does not let family members meet alone with resident
Sexual
Sadly, sexual abuse can happen in nursing homes and assisted living facilities. It is not uncommon for sexual abuse to occur from another resident. Common types of sexual abuse in nursing homes include:
- rape
- forced nudity
- molestation
- exposure to sexual materials (pornography or otherwise)
- unwanted sexual acts
- sexual coercion
Emotional
Emotional abuse is when nursing home staff members engage in inappropriate or aggressive behavior that begins to affect the mental well-being of residents. Emotional abuse can take the form of verbal degradation, emotional manipulation, and threats. Psychological abuse is not as obvious as other types of abuse because there is often no physical evidence. Common signs of emotional abuse in nursing homes include:
- mood swings
- unexplained withdrawal from normal activities
- low self-esteem
- depression
- anxiety
- involuntary seclusion
- confusion
Financial
Financial abuse is when another individual takes or uses the money or property of an elder with intent to defraud that individual. In some cases, financial abuse may occur from another resident. Be sure to look for any odd changes in the financial situations of your loved ones. Examples of financial abuse and exploitation are:
- cashing of checks without permission
- forging a signature
- stealing cash or possessions
- deceiving an elderly person into signing contracts or wills
- overcharging
Neglect
Many cases of nursing home neglect go unreported and sometimes unnoticed. If you believe your loved one has been the victim of neglect, you have legal rights to pursue litigation. Common signs of neglect in nursing homes include:
- lack of proper personal hygiene
- obvious malnutrition or unexplained weight loss
- in need of medical care
- dehydration
- bedsores
- weight loss
- isolation
- dressed in dirty/torn clothing
Self-neglect
Self-neglect is when an elderly person who is responsible for his or her own care and well-being refuses to reasonably care for him or herself. Elderly self-neglect can occur for various reasons like financial, physical, or mental health issues. It is the most common form of senior citizen neglect. Unfortunately, it is also one of the most difficult to uncover and rectify. Examples of elderly self-neglect include:
- malnutrition & dehydration
- unclean or unsafe living conditions
- social isolation
- home infestations
- hoarding (pets, possessions, or trash)
- self-deprivation of medical attention
- inability to maintain assets or property
- lack of appropriate shelter or groceries
- weight loss
Abandonment
Abandonment is the desertion of a nursing home resident in an instant when it would be considered unreasonable by a sensible person. Abandonment victims tend to be residents who have a hard time communicating. These residents may also be physically unable to reach buttons to call for help. Abandonment is often hard to detect, but common signs of abandonment include:
- bedsores
- change in mood or behavior
- unexplained weight loss
- irritability
- depression
- sudden change in health
- dehydration
- strong smell of fecal matter or urine on body or in living area
Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer in Philadelphia, PA and Marlton, NJ
No one should be abused or neglected. Abuse and neglect can result in physical and mental harm, and at times, wrongful death. If your loved one has been a victim of elder abuse or neglect, contact an attorney to discuss your rights. A Philadelphia nursing home abuse lawyer at Kane & Silverman will be there for you and your loved ones during this difficult time. Our legal professionals will handle your case as you and your loved ones focus on healing. We have offices in Philadelphia, PA and Marlton, NJ where you can speak with our elder abuse attorneys. Please do not hesitate to call us at 215-232-1000 or fill out our online contact form.