When you leave your loved one in a facility so they can be cared for, you assume they will have the proper care they deserve. However, even if you did all of your homework and due diligence to research and select a safe nursing facility for your elderly or disabled loved one, abuse can still occur. We sincerely hope you never have to face such an emotional situation, but if you think your loved one is being abused or has suffered from neglect, you should contact a nursing home abuse attorney or a personal injury attorney in San Antonio, TX immediately.
What Are the Signs of Abuse or Neglect?
Nursing home abuse can take many forms, including physical, emotional, or neglect. Often, the signs of elder abuse or nursing home neglect are missed because we trust that our loved ones will be taken care of the right way. Physical abuse includes restraining a patient using force, medication or physical restraints, assault, pinching, or causing physical harm. Signs of these types of abuse include bruises, injuries, burns, open wounds and abrasions. Oftentimes the evidence, such as torn bedding, are signs of abuse.
Emotional abuse is more difficult to identify since the signs are not as outwardly visible. Make sure you are looking out for behavioral changes and are extra vigilant about how they act on a daily basis. For example, a loved one may behave more childlike, display a sudden withdrawal from friends and family, or experience unexplained listlessness if they’re being emotionally abused.
When a person is suffering from nursing home neglect, the environment will be one of the primary signs. You may notice dirty clothing or soiled bedding, strong odors and human waste, poor hygiene, broken eyeglasses, and pressure ulcers or bedsores.
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Examples of Elderly Abuse
The National Committee for the Prevention of Elder Abuse or the NCPEA states between 4-6% of elderly individuals have suffered from some form of abuse or neglect. Some examples of elder abuse include:
- Involuntary isolation
- Humiliation
- Intimidation
- Harassment
- Verbal abuse
- Sexual assault, sexual harassment or sexual coercion
- Hitting, kicking, pinching or slapping
- Malnutrition
- Dehydration
- Falls
- Lack of response to a call for help
You should not accept any excuses when it comes to those who provide care for your loved one. A resident in a nursing home or any other care facility should never be the victim of abuse or neglect. The facility is responsible for providing adequate care for the elderly or disabled that have been entrusted to them.
What Should I Do If I Suspect My Loved One Is Suffering from Nursing Home Abuse?
If there is any reason to think your loved one is suffering any type of nursing home abuse, share your concerns with a personal injury attorney in San Antonio, TX. While none of us want to think our loved one is being harmed or abused, know that it is more common than you think. It can be frightening to report abuse so it’s important to find a professional who is compassionate and understanding of what you are going through, as well as aware of what your rights are.
How Can We Help You?
If you suspect your elderly loved one or family member is the victim of nursing home neglect, abuse, exploitation or was injured in an assisted living facility or nursing home, contact the Law Office of Jesse Hernandez. Schedule a free initial consultation with one of our personal injury attorneys. We can help protect your loved one and your legal rights. Please note there are time restrictions for when you can file a nursing home neglect lawsuit, so contact us as soon as possible, whether you need a nursing home abuse attorney in San Antonio, TX or criminal defense attorney in San Antonio, TX.
