Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect: Signs to Look Out For
By Meyerkord & Meyerkord
Apr. 5, 2011 9:30a
Everyone has heard about spousal abuse and child abuse; however America’s elderly are an entirely different class of “victims.” The problem of elderly abuse and neglect may not receive the same amount of media attention as domestic abuse; however, it is a real problem which is plaguing our nation’s adult care system. Much like an infant or small child, the elderly can be helpless and defenseless against their abusers.
Today, there are over 1.5 million people living in nursing homes, and there are over 16,000 nursing homes in the United States. Of those nursing homes, 30% of the facilities have been cited for instances of abuse. Those figures only account for cases that have been reported, it is estimated that for every 1 case of abuse that is reported, 5 more go unreported. If you suspect nursing home abuse or nursing home neglect, contact a personal injury attorney right away.
Nursing homes are expected to adhere to standards set forth by the Federal and State Governments, and when they fail to uphold a certain standard of care, they can be deprived of money from Federal reimbursements and lose their Medicare or Medicaid certificate. In addition, sanctions can be imposed upon non-compliant nursing homes by both federal and state surveyors.
What Signs of Abuse to Look Out For
Nursing Home abuse and neglect usually take the forms of physical abuse, emotional abuse, sexual abuse, psychological abuse, verbal abuse, abandonment, isolation, neglect, malnutrition, and financial exploitation.
Physical abuse involves bodily injury and includes but is not limited to: bruises, black eyes, lacerations, and signs of restraint, bone fractures, broken bones, cuts, open wounds, sprains, internal injuries, medication overdose and much more.
If your loved one is reporting being hit, slapped, mistreated, restrained, non-consensual sex, unwanted touching, any other type of sexual battery or withholding of food, water or other form of abuse, you want to investigate the allegations and be sure that you are alert. In addition to watching their physical condition, make sure their living conditions are sanitary and there are no foul odors or signs of malnutrition or sudden weight loss. Not only is your loved one’s physical condition important, but their emotional wellbeing as well.
If you or a loved one has been injured or victimized by a nursing home or other facility, contact a St. Louis nursing home neglect attorney from Meyerkord & Meyerkord, LLC today to find out if you have a claim against the responsible party or institution.
Contact a St. Louis nursing home neglect attorney from our firm today for a free consultation.