Commonly Reported Nursing Home Abuse Issues
In recent years, nursing home abuse has been repeatedly mentioned in the media due to the increased occurrences happening in facilities around the country. It’s important to note that nursing home abuse is different than neglect, as neglect implies that the nursing home has failed at providing a patient with adequate care. Nursing home abuse is the act of intentionally harming a patient.
As for why a caregiver at a nursing home would abuse a patient, those that abuse alcohol or drugs or suffer from a mental illness are at a greater risk of becoming abusers. Workers that feel overly burdened by the care they provide to an elderly person can also become an abuser. When a family learns of the abuse, they reserve the right to secure the representation of a nursing home abuse attorney in Bradenton FL. The Neri Law Group has represented residents and the families of residents that have suffered abuse at the hands of caregivers.
Types of Nursing Home Abuse
There are different types of nursing home abuse, but the most common are:
• Exploitation of finances – This is also called “financial abuse” and involves inappropriately using an elderly person’s property or assets. Forgery, stealing cash, signing checks, or coercing a resident to sign a document they don’t understand are examples.
• Physical abuse – Bodily harm that results in bruising, broken bones, welts, cuts, fractures, dislocations, open wounds, and sprains. These injuries can be caused by hitting, slapping, kicking, yanking, or twisting.
• Emotional abuse – Verbal assault, humiliation, threats, intimidation, harassment, treating an elderly person like a child, or even giving the silent treatment are examples of emotional or psychological abuse.
• Abandonment – It is possible to desert an elderly individual inside the facility or when taking the elder to a public place.
• Intentional neglect – While it is common for neglect to be associated with the inexperience of caregivers, inadequate staffing, or poor training, it can be intentional. Not giving a resident their medication, allowing conditions to become and remain unsanitary, allowing bed sores to form, and malnutrition are all forms of abuse.
Recognize the Signs of Nursing Home Abuse
You will know that it’s time to call Attorney Shannan Neri if you notice that your loved one has become withdrawn or is displaying unexplained injuries. If assets have been transferred to a non-family member or your loved one’s ATM card has been used, financial abuse may be an issue. Most of all, immediately report any claims by your loved one. The most credible source is the one suffering the abuse.
If you have a loved one who has experienced these or any type of nursing home abuse, you need an aggressive nursing home abuse attorney in Bradenton FL to help you. At the Neri Law Group, we thoroughly investigate the details, so a strong case can be built for you and your loved one. Contact Attorney Shannan Neri today to learn more about the rights and options available to you and your loved one.