Facts about Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect

Elder abuse is defined as any intentional, knowing or negligent act by a caregiver that causes harm or a risk of harm to a vulnerable elderly person. A vulnerable adult is a person who cannot protect him or herself due to their age or disability. What are the warnings signs of nursing home abuse or nursing home neglect that you should look for?

• Bruises, pressure marks, broken bones
• Bedsores, abrasions, burns, open wounds
• Unusual financial transactions
• Frequent arguments with the caregiver and elderly person
• Hair loss
• Infections
• Poor hygiene, soiling, smell of urine or feces
• Disappearance of personal belongings
• Emotional withdrawal

The main cause for nursing home abuse and neglect is staffing issues. Nursing home employees are often undertrained, overworked and underpaid. Often times nursing home abuse or neglect occurs in facilities that are very clean and appear very nice on the outside. In many cases, management isn't even "aware" that the abuse is taking place.

Elderly Abuse

Elderly abuse can consist of battery, rape or forced restraint, either by physical or chemical means. Emotional abuse can occur by use of threats, harassment, humiliation or ignoring the elderly person. Neglect can be a withholding of food, water, medication or where the caregiver neglects to change bedding or provide proper hygiene.

Legal Rights

The Patient's Bill of Rights in the Michigan Public Health Code, MCL 333.20201 has laws that protect the elderly from nursing home abuses. If you suspect your loved one may be a victim of elderly abuse in the Detroit and surrounding cities, a nursing home neglect attorney at the Law Offices of Freedman & Freedman can help. We have experience in dealing with nursing home neglect and abuse cases. We have helped our clients get the compensation they deserve for the abuse or neglect they suffered at the hands of a negligent or abusive caregiver. We can help find the voice for the elderly at a time when they are too vulnerable or embarrassed to fight for their rights. In addition, we take all of our cases on a contingency fee basis; this means you pay nothing unless we recover compensation on your behalf!

Contact a Detroit Nursing Home Neglect Attorney at our firm today for a free consultation.