Elderly people are a vulnerable demographic within our society. This is especially true of those living in a nursing home or other type of long-term care facility. Unfortunately, abuse and neglect happen far too often. Recent studies have concluded that nearly 25% of all nursing home residents have experienced some form of nursing home abuse. However, it is apparent that this number is woefully underrepresented as only 1 in 25 instances of abuse are ever reported. Neglect and abuse in nursing homes often occur as a result of understaffed facilities, poor training/supervision, and retaliation from inept nursing home staff. No matter the reason, nursing home abuse for any reason is inexcusable. If you suspect that your family member is being abused, it is essential that you investigate the situation. If you find that abuse has occurred, ensure that you immediately remove them from the home. Furthermore, connect with an experienced New York nursing home abuse attorney to explore your options. You may be able to seek compensation for the damages and injuries caused as well as the financial ramifications of moving your loved one to a new facility or taking care of them at home. Give the attorneys at Massarelli Law Group a call to discuss your case today. We put the personal in personal injury.
Signs of Nursing Home Abuse
There are many types of fo abuse that can occur within a nursing home to include physical, financial, psychological, and sexual. However, it is not always easy to recognize the signs. Many nursing home residents are not able to properly communicate the abuse or refuse for fear of retaliatory measures from the nursing home staff. Listed below are some signs that your loved one is being abused.
- Changes in personality or behavior
- Unexplained bruises, cuts, marks, broken bones, bedsores, etc.
- Unprofessional, controlling, and emotionally abusive behavior on the part of the staff
- The occurrence of STD’s without explanation
- Unsanitary conditions
- Isolating your loved one from family, friends, and other residents
- Unexpected financial issues (unaccounted for money, change in power of attorney, lowered quality of life as a result of lack of funds, etc.)
What to Do If you Suspect Abuse of Your Loved One
If you suspect that your loved one is being abused in a nursing home, there is nothing that can substitute for your making unannounced visits to check on them and their affairs. Ensure that you ask the nursing home staff pertinent questions regarding the signs of potential abuse that you have noticed. If they do not give clear explanations or refuse to answer, there is likely a problem. Furthermore, have in-depth discussions with your family member. It is important to not jump to conclusions, as some residents simply have a difficult time transitioning. However, if you are presented with sufficient evidence of abuse, your best bet is to follow your intuition and get your loved one out of that situation and contact an experienced New York nursing home abuse attorney.
Consulting With a New York Nursing Home Abuse Attorney at Massarelli Law Group
Though it is clear that nursing home abuse happens a lot, it is not that easy to prove. A seasoned New York nursing home abuse attorney with an intimate knowledge of the law will have the ability to collect pertinent information and effectively present your case in court if you choose to pursue damages. No one deserves to be abused, especially an elderly person that cannot appropriately advocate form themselves. Give our attorneys at Massarelli Law Group a call to discuss your case today.