As your loved one ages, it’s not uncommon for them to require additional care and support. That’s why many families decide to place their elderly family members in nursing homes. These facilities are supposed to provide a safe and comfortable environment for seniors to live out their golden years.
However, nursing homes are not always as safe as they may seem. Elderly mistreatment is a serious issue in nursing homes and is the most common form of abuse. Before contacting a nursing home abuse lawyer, these are the things you must know.
Types of Elder Abuse in Nursing Homes
- Physical Abuse. This form involves hitting, pushing, slapping, or restraining a resident. Physical abuse can also include neglect, such as failing to provide adequate food and water and withholding assistance with personal hygiene.
- Emotional Abuse. This form of abuse includes yelling, insulting, belittling a resident, or isolating them from friends and family.
- Sexual Abuse. This is a heinous form of elderly mistreatment, involving unwanted sexual contact, including touching, groping, or rape.
- Financial abuse. This type of abuse includes stealing money or property from a resident or coercing them into giving away their assets.
What to Do If Your Loved One Experiences Elderly Mistreatment
If you suspect that your loved one is experiencing elderly mistreatment in a nursing home, take action right away. The first step is to document any evidence of the abuse. This can include taking photos of any injuries, keeping track of any unusual behavior from your loved one, and noting any changes in their financial situation.
Next, you must have a nursing home abuse lawyer. These attorneys specialize in cases of elderly mistreatment in nursing homes. They can help you understand your legal options and guide you through filing a lawsuit against the nursing home.
Filing a lawsuit against a nursing home can be difficult and emotional. However, holding these facilities accountable for their actions is important to get the justice your loved ones deserve.
Other Steps to Prevent Elderly Mistreatment
- Stay involved in your loved one’s care. Visit them regularly, ask them how they’re doing, and pay attention to any changes in their behavior. If you notice anything suspicious, immediately report it to the nursing home staff.
- Research nursing homes carefully before choosing one. Look for facilities with a good reputation and high ratings from regulatory agencies. Ask for references from other families who have used the facility and visit the nursing home to get a feel for the environment.
- Don’t be afraid to speak up. Contact a lawyer and report the abuse to the nursing home staff and regulatory agencies. Taking action can help ensure that your loved one is safe and that nursing homes are held accountable for mistreatment.
Final Thoughts
Elderly mistreatment is a serious issue in nursing homes. It’s the most common type of abuse and can take many forms, including physical, emotional, sexual, and financial abuse. If you suspect your loved one is experiencing elderly mistreatment in a nursing home, contact a nursing home abuse lawyer immediately. Taking action can help ensure that your loved one is safe and that nursing homes are held accountable for mistreatment.
Don’t suffer in silence if you or a loved one has suffered from nursing home abuse. Contact Jehl Law Group today to speak with our experienced nursing home abuse lawyers. We’re here to help you get the justice and compensation you deserve.