How Common Is Nursing Home Abuse?
Like every member of our community, its elderly residents deserve to be treated with respect. But for those living in nursing homes, this is not always the case. In fact, citations for abuse have been issued to nearly one out of every three nursing homes nationwide. Considering that over a million Americans call an assisted living facility home, this statistic is particularly startling.
Nursing home abuse is far too common in our community as well, affecting many families’ aging relatives. If you suspect that your loved one is experiencing nursing home abuse in the Atlanta, GA area, Ross Moore Law can help. Attorney Ross Moore and our team will advocate on behalf of the injured, stopping at nothing to ensure your loved one’s safety.
What Is Nursing Home Abuse?
Nursing home abuse refers to any type of harm experienced by an elderly person living in a long-term care facility. It comes in many forms, with some more easily recognizable than others. Our nursing home abuse lawyers have provided some details about the most common types below.
Physical Abuse
Physical abuse is easier to identify than other types, with bruises, broken bones, and lacerations plainly visible. Keep in mind that nursing home staff may lie about how a resident got the injury, so be sure to trust your gut when it comes to protecting your loved ones.
Emotional Abuse
A nursing home resident who is being emotionally abused may withdraw or appear to be anxious, frightened, or sad. If you notice a sudden change in your loved one’s demeanor, this may be the cause.
Sexual Abuse
Sexual abuse may be perpetrated by nursing home employees or other residents, causing serious trauma. It includes any type of unwanted sexual contact.
Neglect
While not always intentional, neglect can be devastating when it leaves a resident without the standard of care they deserve. Signs include bedsores, poor hygiene, and malnutrition.
Financial Exploitation
After working hard their entire lives, many nursing home residents become victims of financial abuse when greedy employees steal from them or coerce them into giving away their hard-earned money.
Abandonment
This type of abuse occurs when a caregiver leaves without making proper arrangements for a resident’s care. Poor communication can have serious consequences if a patient misses a dose of medication or is left in one position for too long.
The Statistics
These statistics from the World Health Organization prove that nursing home abuse is a serious problem nationwide. They also inspire our Atlanta personal injury lawyers to fight harder than ever to put an end to it.
· About one in six people ages 60 and over have experienced some type of abuse in the last year while living in a community setting.
· Two in three nursing home staff members admit to abusing a resident in the last year.
· Almost 90% of nursing home residents report that they, or another resident, have been neglected.
· There are more than two million cases of nursing home abuse reported each year.
· 13% of the U.S. population is over 65 years old (2010 Census data).
What To Do If You Suspect Elderly Abuse
If you suspect that your aging relative is experiencing nursing home abuse, our Atlanta personal injury lawyers recommend taking the following steps immediately:
STEP ONE: Talk to your loved one.
Try to learn more about the situation, while keeping in mind that the abuse victim may be too frightened to provide the truth.
STEP TWO: Document evidence of abuse.
Make note of anything suspicious and take pictures of any signs of physical abuse or neglect. Be sure to get the names and titles of any staff members that you suspect may be involved.
STEP THREE: Report the abuse.
Call 911 right away if you believe the nursing home resident is in immediate danger. If not, report the suspected abuse to the proper state authorities or call the following:
National Center on Elder Abuse at 1-800-677-1116
Local Adult Protective Services Locator (Online)
STEP FOUR: Contact a lawyer.
It is best to seek legal counsel as soon as possible. Be sure that your lawyer has proven experience handling cases of nursing home abuse. They can help gather evidence to support your claim and ensure your loved one is safe in the meantime. Plus, your nursing home lawyer can help recover compensation for injury-related losses.
Contact Ross Moore Law Today!
Looking for an Atlanta personal injury attorney to handle your case? Our local team is proud to serve injury victims through the region, including our community’s elderly residents!
Conveniently located in the heart of Atlanta, GA, Ross Moore Law is proud to serve clients throughout the surrounding areas of Athens, Alpharetta, Peach Tree, Marietta and more! In addition to Georgia clients, we welcome Tennessee clients as well.
Our team is eager to put our experience to work for you, so visit us, call us or book a free consultation online!
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