What Families Need to Know About Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect
One of the most important things you may consider when choosing a nursing home for your loved one is their safety. Your loved one will spend most of their time in the care of the nursing home's staff. With reports of nursing home abuse and neglect always in the news, it can be a real concern. Learn everything you need to know about nursing home abuse & neglect in today’s blog post.
What is Nursing Home Abuse?
Nursing home abuse is when a caregiver or employee knowingly or intentionally causes harm to a resident. Nursing home abuse may include hitting, kicking, pushing, or restraining. It's also important to note that other types of abuse aren't always physical in nature. Emotional abuse occurs when a caregiver or employee verbally abuses or manipulates the resident. This may include threats, insults, yelling, or humiliation.
Sexual abuse covers any type of non-consensual sexual activity between a caregiver and a resident. It may also include sexual activity between a caregiver and a resident who is unable to give consent. Financial abuse or exploitation is the act of stealing or misusing a resent's financial funds to the caregiver or employee's benefit.
What is Nursing Home Neglect?
Nursing home neglect may be considered a type of nursing home abuse and involves a failure to provide the resident with access to their basic needs. This may include withholding medical care, failing to provide the resident with nutritious meals, not routinely washing or cleaning the resident, and not putting proper safety and security procedures in place.
Even though nursing home neglect may be unintentional, it doesn’t make it right. You choose a nursing home and expect them to provide your loved one with the care they need. When they don't, it can lead to an increase in injuries or medical conditions. It can also lead to your loved one developing mental health conditions like depression.
How Can You Tell Your Loved One is the Victim of Nursing Home Abuse?
Some types of nursing home abuse are easier to identify than others. Physical abuse usually shows up in the form of bruises, cuts, and frequent injuries. Your loved one may also show fear of their caregivers. Emotional abuse can be harder to identify and may sometimes be masked by a medical condition like Alzheimer's. Some common signs of nursing home abuse include:
- Broken bones
- Frequent bruises
- Unexplained injuries
- Unpaid bills or debt
- Increased fear or anxiety
- Poor hygiene
- Changes to financial funds
If you have suspicions that your loved one may be the victim of nursing home abuse, it's worth looking into it further. You should never be hesitant to file a report to find out more information. Even if your loved one isn't being abused or neglected, bringing light to a problem may improve their care.
You can notify your loved one's caregiving team if you trust them. However, if you strongly believe that your loved one is being abused or neglected or you have clear evidence, report it to the state of New Jersey. This opens up an official investigation into the nursing home. Then, consider reaching out to a lawyer to explore your options.
Contact a Point Pleasant Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer in New Jersey to Discuss Your Case Today
Seniors in nursing homes and other care facilities deserve to be treated with respect and dignity. Additionally, nursing home staff needs to ensure that patients are safe and secure at all times. If your loved one suffered an injury, or worse, due to nursing home negligence or abuse in New Jersey, you need to speak with a qualified attorney. The experienced nursing home neglect attorneys at Lombardi and Lombardi, P.A.represent clients throughout New Jersey, including New Brunswick, Edison, Howell, AND Brick. Call (732) 906-1500 or fill out the online contact form to schedule a free consultation today. We have an office conveniently located at 1862 Oak Tree Road, Edison, NJ 08820, as well as offices in Edison, Brick, Freehold, and Point Pleasant Beach, NJ.
The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.
