What to Do if Your Parents/Grandparents Experience Nursing Home Abuse
Keep in mind that complaints aren’t necessarily about abuse. However, minor complaints here and there can indicate a more significant problem that needs to be addressed.
4 Causes of Nursing Home Abuse
If your loved one is in a nursing home, it’s good to know the causes of nursing home abuse. While your loved one might not be experiencing abuse right now, knowledge is power, and that power can help should you suspect nursing home abuse in the future. Knowing these signs can help you pick the right nursing home to reduce the risk your loved one faces greatly. Keeping them safe and sound during their elderly years is essential, primarily since they rely on the nursing home staff to help them. There’s nothing worse than being abused by the people who are supposed to care for you. Keep reading to learn about the most common causes of nursing home abuse, what you can do if you suspect abuse, and how you can help your loved ones heal if they’ve become abuse victims. You’re not alone. Let’s work together to keep your loved one safe and well cared for! Causes of Nursing Home Abuse To protect your loved one, it’s essential to understand the causes of nursing home abuse. Understanding what’s going on can help you quickly get to the root of the problem and resolve it. Here are the four most common causes of nursing home abuse. Lack of staff training – Problems can result from a lack of staff training. If a staff member doesn’t know how to do their job, a resident can unfairly suffer from abuse. Nursing homes with inadequate staff training often see problems like not properly administering medications to residents, not changing their sheets or clothes often enough, not checking for bedsores, not knowing CPR, or not treating diseases or infections properly. These issues can result in the spread of disease, severe injury, or death, making lack of training a severe problem. Poor staff pay – Believe it or not, low income will cause some nursing home staff to abuse the residents. Staff members resent their job for not paying them well enough, taking out that resentment on residents. Hostility is another issue resulting from poor staff pay. The staff might take care of residents but make them feel like a burden while fulfilling their needs. Nursing home mismanagement – Unfortunately, the root cause of nursing home abuse can often be traced back to nursing home administrators or owners. Usually, these administrators or owners only care about making money, so they don’t properly train staff or fairly compensate them. The less money they spend, the more they make, regardless of who gets hurt because of it. Understaffing – Understaffing often results in abuse due to the lack of staff members available to care for everyone’s needs. Residents who need care but don’t receive it are being abused. It doesn’t matter whether the staff member can help it. It’s still abuse. But understaffing creates more problems than just neglect. When a nursing home is understaffed, the staff are stretched too thin and overworked, inevitably resulting in burnout and tension, which they could take out on residents. Residents don’t deserve to have someone else’s anger put on them. They don’t staff the nursing home. They’re just elderly people whose families rely on the nursing home staff to take good care of them. How do I know if there’s nursing home abuse? While we hope you never have to deal with nursing home abuse, it is sadly a part of the reality of living in a nursing home. Always keep it on your radar, even if it doesn’t seem to be an issue at the nursing home where your loved one resides. They deserve the best care, and you can help ensure that always happens. The best way to stay on top of an issue like nursing home abuse is by looking for the warning signs. It’s unlikely that a staff member will yell at your loved one while you’re in the room. But take note if your loved one looks nervous when staff is nearby. It’s also important to pay attention to details. Do their bed sheets or clothing look dirty? Have they been taking their daily medications? Are they comfortable, or do they have signs of bedsores? These are all indicators of nursing home abuse. What should I do if I suspect nursing home abuse? Thankfully, you can take action to protect your loved ones and, as a result, the other nursing home residents. Local, state, and national service agencies can help your loved one recover from nursing home abuse, whether physical, emotional, legal, or financial. But getting your loved one the help they need isn’t enough. It’s also important to report the abuse so that other nursing home residents don’t continue to suffer. You can contact the Administration for Community Living’s National Center on Elder Abuse to report and help stop the abuse. It’s impossible to ensure that no abuse ever happens in a nursing home. But it’s in your power to protect your loved ones if it ever happens. Flickinger, Sutterfield & Boulton Can Help Did you know that an attorney can help if your loved one is a victim of nursing home abuse? That’s right; you can get legal help to ensure that your loved one receives the compensation they deserve for their pain and suffering and that their abuser is brought to justice. The causes of nursing home abuse should never happen in the first place, but they unfortunately do. Flickinger, Sutterfield & Boulton understands the sensitive nature of nursing home abuse and the devastating effects it can have. We’re proud to bring over 50 combined years of experience representing personal injury cases to the table. We offer free case evaluations and have locations in Orem, Provo, South Jordan, and West Jordan. Not sure how to get started? Contact us today! We’ll be with you through every step of the process. Let us help you today.
What are the Signs of Nursing Home Abuse
Nursing home abuse can happen right under your nose, and it’s not always obvious. Some of the signs are apparent, but some are very subtle. So, how can you tell if a caregiver is abusing an elderly person in their nursing home? If you know what to look for, you can help protect the elderly so they can spend their days living in comfort, not pain or fear. What is Nursing Home Abuse? Before we tell you what signs to look for, it’s a good idea to define nursing home abuse. It occurs whenever a nursing home resident is neglected or mistreated, whether physically, emotionally, or sexually. Less common forms of abuse include financial exploitation and healthcare fraud. Abuse isn’t always intentional, but it’s still abuse and needs to be taken seriously. Signs of Physical Abuse If you notice an elderly person acting differently for no reason, you should be alarmed. Take note of this, even if their mental health is deteriorating. It could be nothing, but it could be something, so it should be taken seriously. It’s better to be safe than sorry. If you do notice changes in behavior or personality, keep an eye out for the following physical signs: Broken bones, dislocated joints, or sprains Bruising, scarring, or welts Bedsores Improper use of medications Signs that they have been restrained (marks on wrists) Broken eyeglasses Caregiver not giving you private time with your loved one Signs of Emotional or Sexual Abuse In addition to physical signs, look for signs of emotional or sexual abuse, including: Strange behavior that mimics dementia, such as mumbling, sucking their thumb, or rocking back and forth Seeing their caregiver belittle, control, or threaten them STDs or similar infections without a legitimate reason Bruising on the chest or private parts Underwear with tears, stains, or blood Genital bleeding for no reason (not medically related) Signs of Caregiver Neglect While physical, sexual, and emotional abuse are the primary kinds of nursing home abuse that you’ll see, caregivers also neglect their patients. Watch for these signs of caregiver neglect: Elderly person left alone in public Unsafe living conditions such as no heat, running water, or improper electrical work in the facility Not wearing enough layers of clothing in the cold or wearing too many layers in the heat An elderly person not properly bathed An elderly person having dirty conditions, including dirty sheets or dirty clothes An elderly person having bedsores from staying in the same position for too long Unexplained weight loss or dehydration Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton Are you concerned that an elderly person in your life is suffering from nursing home abuse? If so, Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton can help. No one deserves to be abused. With over 25 years of experience, we have the skills and expertise to help you through this challenging time. Please feel free to contact us today for your free case evaluation.
When Is a Nursing Home Liable for Abuse?
Each year, approximately 4 million elderly people are victimized by abuse, and many of these cases happen within the walls of their nursing home. It can sometimes be difficult to determine who is legally responsible in cases of elder abuse. Continue reading to learn more about when a nursing home can be held liable and how to help your loved one heal. Nursing Home Obligations Nursing homes must provide their patients with basic necessities such as housing, medical care, a healthy diet, and hygienic aid. If these needs are not met, the care center can be held liable. Here are some examples of acts that might be viewed as abuse: Neglecting to offer food and water Lack of sound hiring and employee training practices Acts of deliberate abuse or neglect Unreasonable use of restraints Failure to properly administer medications or meet other medical needs When Can a Nursing Home Be Held Liable? If you believe that your loved one has been abused in their care facility, the following points must be proven to demonstrate liability Duty of care – Most nursing homes provide a contract outlining the care that will be provided within the facility. Breach of duty – This occurs when the nursing home fails to follow the agreed-upon care. Connection – You will need to determine that a breach of duty was the reason for the patient’s injuries. Damages – The patient must specify the mental, physical, and/or fiscal damages that resulted from negligence. Signs of Nursing Home Abuse A variety of signs might accompany abuse. The Nursing Home Abuse Center outlines some of the most common indications to be aware of. Signs of Physical Abuse Unexplained injuries such as bruises, broken bones, or dislocations Not taking medications correctly Broken glasses Caregivers refusing to allow visitors to be alone with the patient Signs of Emotional Abuse Witnessing controlling, demeaning, or hostile actions from caregivers Showing symptoms mimicking dementia, such as rocking back and forth and sucking their thumbs Sexual Abuse Unexplained STIs Bruising or scars around the genitals or chest Vaginal or anal bleeding Torn or bloody undergarments Neglect Unsafe living environment Bedsores Absence of hygiene Lack of nutrition or unexplained weight loss Healing from Abuse Any type of nursing home abuse can be very difficult to overcome. Recovering from such trauma can be challenging to navigate as you aim to help your loved one heal. Every situation is different and will require a unique recovery plan. The most important thing to remember is that healing takes time; the recovery process is a journey, not a sprint. Unconditional support from loved ones is crucial throughout this trying process. Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton Can Help As you strive to help your loved one heal from nursing home abuse, Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton will fight for the care they deserve. We understand how critical it is to hold negligent nursing homes accountable for any degree of abuse or neglect their staff has inflicted upon their residents. Our offices are located in Orem, Provo, Saratoga Springs, and West Jordan, Utah. Schedule your free case evaluation today
Most Common Signs of Nursing Home Abuse
If you have a loved one living in an assisted living facility, you might be concerned about nursing home abuse. While nursing homes are meant to be a safe place for our loved ones who need assistance, it’s not entirely uncommon for some of our elderly loved ones to experience neglect and abuse. If you’re suspecting any neglect or abuse, keep reading to learn what some of the signs are and what you can do to remedy the problem. Most Common Signs of Nursing Home Abuse While abuse and neglect can demonstrate themselves in many different ways, there are some commonly known signs of abuse occurring in a nursing home. Here is our list of significant signs that indicate abuse: Poor Personal Hygiene – If your loved one is in a nursing facility, it’s likely because they cannot maintain some of their basic hygiene. Nurses and certified nursing assistants are employed by nursing homes to assist in keeping up their patient’s daily hygiene. If you notice that your loved one’s hygiene has been declining, it may be a sign of neglect. Sudden Weight Loss – As our bodies age, we can often lose our appetites and, as a result, start to lose weight; however, sudden and extreme weight loss is likely a sign of malnutrition and dehydration. Lack of feeding is a severe type of neglect and abuse, and it should be addressed as soon as you notice it. Disorientation From Too Much Medication or Lack Thereof – Our relatives and loved ones are usually on some form of medication in their old age. If a nurse is not taking proper precautions to ensure that their nursing home residents are getting the right amount of drugs at the right time, that is a major red flag. Symptoms of disorientation and declining cognitive abilities will appear if your loved one’s medication schedule is inconsistent. Bodily Harm – Harm that is caused to the body can consist of anything from cuts and bruises to broken and fractured bones. If you’re noticing injuries that appear between your visits, there’s a possibility it was due to physical abuse from a nursing home staff member. Bodily harm can also be a result of neglect. If the nursing home staff is not aware of your relative or loved one, he or she may attempt to do things on their own, which can cause them to fall or hurt themselves. How Can You Help Your Loved One? If you suspect nursing home abuse, you should immediately talk to the nursing facility staff. Bring up your concerns and ask them what is happening. If you do not see a change in behavior or treatment, there is a good chance abuse, and neglect is both present and intentional. Make sure to document everything that sounds like abuse or neglect and report it to the proper authorities, such as the police and Adult Protective Services. If the situation gets out of hand, consider a lawyer who can help you and your loved one fight for compensation and better care. Flickinger Sutterfield and Boulton Can Help Keep your eye out for any of the above signs or other signs of nursing home abuse and neglect. If you suspect abuse, it should never be ignored. At Flickinger Sutterfield and Boulton, we believe that your elderly loved ones are entitled to the nursing home care they need and deserve. That’s why we help you fight for proper care and compensation. With multiple offices in Utah, including West Jordan, Orem, Saratoga Springs, and Provo, we are dedicated to giving you the best legal advice and representation. Contact us today for more information and a free evaluation.
How Can I Help a Loved One Heal from Nursing Home Abuse?
Finding out that your loved one was mistreated in their care facility is devastating, and they will need to heal from nursing home abuse. Unfortunately, elders are not always able to speak out about their mistreatment, but recognizing the signs and knowing how to aid in their recovery can better help you protect them. Types of Nursing Home Abuse Unfortunately, there are many ways elders can be abused in care facilities. The following are the most common types of nursing home abuse: Physical Abuse – This is when pain or injury is intentionally inflicted on a resident. This can include slapping, shaking, or shoving. Emotional Abuse – This occurs when someone causes mental or psychological pain through verbal or non-verbal actions. This can be done through coercion, harassment, or ignoring the resident. Sexual Abuse – This type of abuse includes any non-consensual sexual activity. Signs of Nursing Home Abuse Nursing home neglect can be hard to detect and sometimes your loved one might be too embarrassed or scared to speak up. It is important to be aware and look for potential signs of maltreatment. Here are a few red flags to watch out for: Bruising or abrasions Open wounds and bedsores Loss of hair Poor hygiene The disappearance of personal items Emotional withdrawal Childish or odd behavior Apathy Healing from Nursing Home Abuse As you help your loved one heal from nursing home abuse, remember that everyone processes and reacts to trauma in their own way. Understand that recovery is not a “one size fits all” plan. Regardless of the type of mistreatment, your loved one must be able to feel that you have their full support. Reassure them that there is no need to feel any shame or embarrassment surrounding the situation. Mental and physical healing is a journey, not a sprint. Having a support system along every step of the way will increase the success of their recovery. Help them take control of their situation by committing to them throughout this process. Moreover, meeting with an abuse recovery counselor is an essential part of healing. Professional counseling will help you and your loved one cope with the mental and physical anguish of abuse. Once they are making progress, they might be ready to find a new facility or home to live in. New living accommodations and a change of scenery can help them regain control and move forward from the incident. If Your Loved One Has Suffered Abuse, Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton Can Help As you strive to help your loved one heal from nursing home abuse, Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton is here to fight for the care they deserve. We understand how critical it is to hold negligent nursing homes accountable for any degree of abuse or neglect their staff has inflicted upon their residents. Our offices are located in Orem, Provo, Saratoga Springs, and West Jordan, Utah. Schedule your free case evaluation today.
Is Poor Hygiene Considered Nursing Home Abuse?
When poor hygiene in a nursing home is more than an isolated event, it can constitute as nursing home abuse. Nursing homes are like other medical facilities such as hospitals, doctor’s offices, and rehabilitation centers. Cleanliness and hygiene are of utmost importance to keep patients and residents safe. Residents have a right to expect that their facility is sanitary and that their personal care needs are being met. Unhygienic nursing homes can jeopardize the resident’s already fragile health. Poor Hygiene in the Nursing Home Facility Many nursing residents need help with their basic personal care. This can include: Bathing Dressing Going to the restroom Changing their bandages Brushing their teeth Trimming their nails Shaving Haircare Changing their diapers Since most residents are unable to complete these tasks independently, they rely on staff members to provide this care. If employees are careless about the resident’s hygienic needs, this can be considered a form of nursing home neglect. Uncleanliness in Nursing Homes It is essential to provide a clean environment in nursing facilities to avoid the spread of germs. Life-threatening diseases can stem from a lack of sanitation. Showers, bathrooms, and eating areas that are not regularly disinfected are among some of the riskiest areas where germs can spread between residents. Tables, chairs, and other high-touch surfaces also need to be sanitized regularly in order to keep germs from spreading to the nursing home residents. How Sanitation Issues Threaten Residents Poor hygiene in a nursing home can lead to many medical conditions, such as: Infections- bacterial, urinary, etc. Bed sores Influenza Colds Diarrhea Ringworm Athlete’s foot Lice Scabies A lack of proper sanitation can be deadly to residents who already have suppressed immune systems or preexisting medical conditions. Why Do Nursing Facilities Neglect Proper Hygiene? There are multiple reasons why nursing homes sometimes suffer from a lack of proper hygiene. Some of the common reasons behind this problem include: Understaffing– This leads to insufficient time to keep the building clean and care for residents. Failure to properly train employees- Many nursing home employees who fail to provide proper care are simply undertrained. High turnover rates among staffing- Because of understaffing issues and low wages, nursing homes are known for having high turnover rates. Inadequate policies and procedures for facility cleanliness and resident care- Hygiene issues might be a product of inadequate policies set by the facility. If Your Loved One Has Suffered Abuse, Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton Can Help Here at Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton, we understand that poor hygiene in a nursing home facility is a warning sign that should not be ignored. If you suspect that your loved one is a victim of neglect, our nursing home abuse lawyers will help you seek justice so that your family can heal. We have built a reputation in the community for providing personal and compassionate legal services. We have offices in Provo, Orem, Saratoga Springs, and West Jordan, Utah. Contact us for a free case evaluation today.
What To Look For In A Nursing Home
Selecting a nursing home for yourself or a loved one can be difficult, and it’s a stressful decision that you should make with care. Many people wonder what they should consider when selecting a home. Here are some items that you should review when making this important decision. The Staff The staff at the nursing home is going to have the most interaction with the loved one. Be observant of how they treat the other residents. Do they seem to have their best interests in heart? Are they professional and respectful with their treatment of the other residents? Do they create a comfortable and relaxed environment? These are questions that should be asked while you are observing. Observing and communicating with the administration is vital when making this decision. The home’s administrator is responsible for the type of care for your loved one and is also the main point of contact. Make sure the administrator is easily accessible and available. If the administrator is difficult to contact, this could be considered a red flag. Location A care center should be within close proximity to loved ones. If an emergency were to happen, a 10-15 minute drive is a lot more doable than an hour long trip. A close facility can provide a lot of peace of mind. Social and family visits are easier to make when the facility is close in proximity. These visits help to maintain familial relationships and make the loved one feel a sense of connection and purpose. The Size Is your loved one an introvert or an extrovert? Would they thrive in a big group of people or would they prefer smaller crowds and some time alone? If your loved one is an extrovert, is there a lot of space for activities and many people to interact with? If they are an introvert, are there smaller activity groups or other locations for solo activities? These are just some of the questions you should consider as you make a decision in the size of the facility. Checklist Medicare provides a comprehensive checklist of items that should be covered when selecting a care center. Included in the checklist is the basic information of the facility, safety and care, proper certifications, the appearance, the menu, and other important factors. Use this as a template when making the final decision. Ask a lot of questions, observe, and trust your gut. If a certain facility does meet these qualifications, do not be afraid to say no and look at other options. There are a lot of nursing facilities that provide different levels of care and attention to their residents. Take the time to make sure that the facility that you choose will meet the needs of your loved ones. Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton is Here for You If your loved one is not receiving proper care in their current nursing home situation, our experienced attorneys are here to help you fight for the care they deserve. We strive to ensure that negligent nursing homes are held accountable for any degree of abuse or neglect. We have offices throughout Utah County and West Jordan. Schedule your free case evaluation today.
How Does Nursing Home Operate?
A nursing home might be the best option for older adults who require round-the-clock medical care and supervision. They offer a range of medical, personal, and social services to meet the needs of those who are disabled or chronically ill. Learn more about the care that these nursing homes provide. The Care Nursing Homes Offer A nursing home offers the most holistic care a person can receive outside of a hospital. Staff provide custodial care, such as bathing, feeding, and help older adults get dressed. Moreover, some offer skilled care, which is when a registered nurse cares for residents, provides medical monitoring, and administers medication. Some skilled care nurses also specialize in other areas and can double as a physical, occupational, or respiratory therapist. Discover what to look for in a nursing home in today’s blog. What Services Do These Homes Provide? The services that care centers offer, vary, but they often include: Monitoring of medication Room and board Personal care, including bathing, toilet assistance, and dressing 24-hour emergency services Recreational and social activities What Should I Look for in a Nursing Home? Review our checklist to make an informed decision in helping your parents or grandparents find the right nursing home. General Care Center Questions: Does this facility meet local and state licensing requirements? Do they provide the level of care that your loved one needs? Does the home’s administrator have an up-to-date license? Does the facility meet state fire regulations? These include well-maintained sprinkler systems, fire-resistant doors, and evacuation plans for residents and staff. What is their policy on insurance and personal property? What are their visiting hours? How do caregivers respond to medical emergencies? Do they follow a procedure? Admission Questions: What are their admission requirements? How soon will you know if your loved one is accepted? Will you receive a notification if your loved one isn’t accepted? Needs Assessment: How do they assess a prospective resident’s need for services, such as specialized care? Are their needs reassessed biannually? Does each resident have an individual, written care plan? Financing and Fees: Have the facility’s fees increased drastically in the past few years? Are their fees competitive? What are their billing, credit, and payment policies? Is their fee structure easy to follow? Are there varying costs for different services? Do they show which services insurance covers in the quoted fee and which ones cost more? Are the accounting and billing procedures understandable? How soon can a resident terminate a contract? Will they be eligible for a refund? Which governmental financing options do they accept? These include Medicaid, Medicare, Medicare Supplemental Insurance, and Supplemental Security Income. Caregiver Qualifications: Do social workers, nurses, and administrators have geriatric care experience or education? Are they able to meet scheduled and unscheduled needs? Do they treat residents as individuals and respect their needs, rather than using a one-size-fits-all approach? Do they genuinely care about residents and enjoy serving them? Are they readily available to assist residents with memory, judgment, or orientation loss? Do doctors and nurses regularly visit to provide residents with medical checkups? Do residents look comfortable and happy? What do residents, their loved ones, and volunteers say about the nursing home? Are residents clean and appropriately dressed? Are there flyers posted that list residents’ rights? Are There Red Flags to Watch out For? The U.S. Government Accountability Office reports that one-quarter of all nursing homes are understaffed, have unqualified caregivers, and are profit-focused. Negligent staff can harm residents and put them at risk for severe injuries or death. Don’t ignore the following four red flags. Injuries: Although the elderly are susceptible to falls, you should investigate frequent injuries. Poor hygiene: This can enable germs and bacteria, wreaking havoc on a resident’s health. Disorientation: If your loved one is always “out of it” when you see them, there may be a serious problem behind closed doors. Financial abuse: If you notice money disappearing from your loved one’s savings, a staff member may be financially exploiting them. Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton Can Help Unfortunately, nursing home abuse often goes undetected because many families falsely believe their loved one is in good hands. If you suspect your loved one is a victim of abuse, Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton can help you hold a negligent nursing home accountable. Our experienced personal injury attorneys fight for victims and their families to receive not only fair compensation but also respect and kindness. We have offices throughout Utah County and West Jordan. Schedule your free case evaluation today.
What is Elder Abuse?
Every year, thousands of older people experience elder abuse, which can be physical or emotional. Most of these victims are frail and vulnerable, so they can’t protect themselves. Sadly, the abusers are often family members, friends, and trusted individuals in positions of authority. Continue reading to find out more about this type of abuse. Types of Elder Abuse The Administration for Community Living (ACL) identifies the following behaviors as abuse: Physical abuse: Inflicting physical injuries on a senior by bruising, slapping, or restraining them. Emotional abuse: Inflicting emotional pain or distress on an elderly person by intimidating, humiliating, or threatening them. Sexual abuse: Non-consensual sexual contact Financial abuse: Illegally taking a senior’s funds, property, or assets for your benefit. Abandonment: Deserting a vulnerable senior when you owe them a duty of care or assume custody over them. Neglect: Failure to provide a senior with food, shelter, health care, or protection if you’re responsible. Learn about the warning signs below. Red Flags to Watch out For Bruises, pressure marks, broken bones, burns, and abrasions may indicate physical abuse. Sudden change in alertness, unusual depression, and withdrawal from regular activities may indicate emotional abuse. Bruises around the genital area may indicate sexual abuse. Threats, belittling, and other misuses of power by a spouse can indicate verbal and emotional abuse. Sudden changes in financial status may indicate financial exploitation. Unattended medical needs, bedsores, poor hygiene, and excessive weight loss may indicate neglect. Tense or strained relationships and constant arguments between an elderly person and their caregiver may indicate abuse. How Can I Intervene? If you suspect your parent or grandparent is being abused, remain alert because many people suffer in silence. Tell at least one person, such as a friend, doctor, or family member you trust. Furthermore, if you witness an elderly person being abused or neglected, don’t hesitate to escalate the situation to the authorities. Every senior abuse report is a snapshot of a significant problem. Unfortunately, many seniors are too afraid to report abuse. Some of them fear retaliation from their abuser; others prefer dealing with an abusive caretaker than not having one. Keep the following in mind: Don’t confront the abuser: This can endanger the elderly person. The only time you should confront an abuser is if the victim permits you. Make sure the elderly person can immediately move to a safer care center. Even if the elderly person rejects your help, continue checking in with them: Ask other loved ones to express their feelings of concern for the elderly person. A neutral party, such as a geriatric care manager, might have a better chance of consoling them. Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton Can Help Elder abuse can be debilitating, traumatizing, and lonely. If you or a loved one is experiencing abuse, a nursing home abuse lawyer from Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton can help them receive damages for their suffering. Our attorneys fight for victims and their families to receive proper compensation, respect, and kindness. We service Utah County and West Jordan. Schedule your free case evaluation today.
How Can I Report Nursing Home Abuse?
All elderly people deserve to age with dignity, but sadly, many fall victim to neglect and abuse—particularly those who stay in nursing homes. Unfortunately, nursing home abuse often goes unreported due to embarrassment, fear, or because a resident may be unable to talk. If you believe your loved one is being abused, you need to report it immediately to prevent it from escalating. Continue reading to learn more about this type of abuse. What is Nursing Home Abuse? When you hear about nursing home abuse, you may immediately think of physical harm; however, the definition is much broader. Here are the most common types of nursing home abuse: Sexual abuse: This type of abuse occurs when a staff member at a nursing home takes advantage of a resident through coercion, force, or abusing their inability to communicate consent. Neglect: This type of abuse occurs when a staff member fails to look out for a resident’s safety as well as physical and emotional needs. Financial abuse: This type of abuse occurs when a staff member exploits a resident to gain financial control. Often, this abuse is subtle because the abuser will act friendly to gain an elderly person’s trust. Emotional abuse: This type of abuse covers mental anguish caused by distress, threats, insults, and other degrading actions. Learn more about the symptoms of nursing home abuse and what you can do to help your loved one. What Are the Signs of Nursing Home Abuse? To determine if your loved one is experiencing abuse, look out for the following red flags: Bedsores Bleeding and bruising Adverse changes in your loved one’s emotions and behavior Random financial transactions Unexplained illness and infections Resistance to hugging and other forms of affection You can document signs of nursing home abuse by doing the following: Observing behavior: Take note of any changes in your loved one’s behavior. Taking pictures: Take photos of any bruises your loved one may have. Talking to witnesses: Write or record statements from any witnesses who saw the abuse happen or from other residents who may have information. Keeping evidence of the abuse is crucial, as it encourages those who experience it to report it. Although police take all claims of nursing home abuse seriously, having evidence makes them stronger, and your loved one will have a higher chance of receiving justice. Ways To Report Nursing Home Abuse Social workers, doctors, nurses, and other healthcare providers are required to report nursing home abuse. However, families shouldn’t wait for a professional to file a report. Unfortunately, sometimes even licensed professionals allow this type of harm to occur, especially if they can take advantage of an elder’s finances. Your family can report nursing home abuse through the following channels: Law enforcement: Physical and emotional nursing home abuse can leave permanent damage to its victims. An elderly person’s vulnerable health combined with slower healing places them at high risk. If your loved one is injured, you need to call 911 urgently for medical attention. The authorities may be able to assist with getting criminal charges filed for: Sexual abuse Assault Psychological abuse and harassment Coercion by tricking residents with dementia into disclosing their financial information Anonymous reporting: If you’re a staff member of a nursing home who wants to come forward with information, you can file a confidential report. Confidentiality provisions provide nursing home caretakers with assurance so that they can report abuse without fear of retaliation from their employer, civil and criminal liability, and other types of disciplinary action. Working with an ombudsman: An ombudsman is a watchdog and intermediary between care facilities and residents. They fight for the rights of individuals living in nursing homes and can resolve their physical and emotional well-being. Every state has an ombudsmen program thanks to the Older Americans Act established in 1972. Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton is Here for Your Loved Ones Although you want what’s best for your loved ones residing in nursing homes, sadly, it can be difficult to tell what’s going on behind closed doors. You can reach out to one of the experienced nursing home abuse attorneys from Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton if your loved one is being abused. Our attorneys fight for victims and their families to receive fair compensation. You can trust us to hold caretakers accountable for their abuse. We have offices throughout Utah County, as well as West Jordan. Schedule your free case evaluation today.
What Constitutes Nursing Home Abuse?
Nursing home abuse is any type of harm that elderly people face in care facilities, resulting in physical or emotional injuries, financial exploitation, sexual abuse, and more. Sadly, many families place their trust in these care centers to watch over their loved ones, yet they don’t always foster safe environments. Read on to learn how common nursing home abuse is. Nursing Home Abuse Statistics The following statistics are provided by the World Health Organization (WHO): One in six adults aged 60 or older will suffer abuse in a community setting. Two in three nursing home staff reported abusing elderly residents within the past year. One in three nursing homes in the U.S. are issued citations for abuse each year. Elderly abuse, both inside and outside of nursing homes, is severely underreported. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 27 million people will live in nursing homes or similar long-term care programs by the year 2050. Discover the different types of nursing home abuse below. Physical Abuse Nursing home staff members can be physically abusive in the following ways: Punching, kicking, or biting residents Hitting residents with objects, such as a cane, or slapping them Forcefully grabbing, shoving, or pushing residents Physically restraining residents so that they can’t leave the room. Long-term physical abuse can result in life-threatening injuries or death. Emotional Abuse Emotional abuse consists of words or actions carried out to make someone feel scared and inferior. Nursing home staff can be emotionally abusive in the following ways: Insulting a resident’s appearance or disabilities Name-calling Threatening to remove a resident from the house Isolating residents as punishment Being controlling of residents by limiting their phone, television, or transportation usage Emotional abuse can result in long-term psychological problems that can damage a resident’s confidence, infringing on their quality of life. Neglect Neglect is the intentional act of failing to provide proper care for nursing home residents. In nursing homes, neglect is typically the result of hiring staff who are indifferent, careless, or seek control. Nursing home staff can be negligent in the following ways: Failing to provide residents with food or water Leaving residents alone for extended periods Improperly administering medications Not cleaning the residents’ rooms Failing to report illness or injuries to medical staff or family members Dismissing a resident’s complaints Monetary Abuse People who commit financial abuse will befriend a vulnerable person to obtain un-authorized use of their finances. Nursing home staff can commit monetary abuse in the following ways: Stealing a resident’s statements Forgery of a resident’s documents Not allowing a resident to access their funds Tricking a resident into giving them control of their money Stealing a resident’s expensive possessions Financial abuse can leave residents in despair because they may end up losing their life savings, leaving them unable to pay for long-term care. Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton Can Help Nursing homes have a legal duty of care to provide their residents with a safe environment free of abuse, violence, and neglect. If a loved one is experiencing nursing home abuse, you can work with an experienced nursing home abuse attorney from Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton. Our team recognizes that every nursing home abuse case is different. You can trust us to use a unique and practical approach to ensure your loved one receives damages. We have offices throughout Utah County, as well as West Jordan. Schedule your free case evaluation today.