Coming to terms with the fact you can no longer adequately provide the care your elderly loved one needs is a tough situation. As such, you may have made the difficult decision to place them in the care of a nursing home. Though it can be devastating to discover, if you believe your loved one is the victim of nursing home abuse, understanding the steps you must take to fight for justice is critical. Keep reading to learn how to recognize and report these matters and discover why connecting with a Broward County nursing home abuse lawyer is critical to fight for justice.
What Is Nursing Home Abuse?
Nursing home abuse occurs when the staff and employees of a senior living facility physically, emotionally, mentally, sexually, or financially abuse the residents living there. Often, this is the result of understaffing by the facility. When caretakers are required to care for more patients than they can handle, neglect can occur. Additionally, they may become overwhelmed and frustrated, taking it out on the residents.
The most common forms of nursing home abuse include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Physically hitting, kicking, slapping, or punching patients
- Using medical or physical restraints
- Withholding medication or medical care
- Withholding food or water
- Isolating residents
- Sexual assault or molestation
- Forcing residents to turn over financial information
- Humiliating residents
What Signs Should I Look For?
Like many victims of abuse, older adults may be afraid to speak out against the facility for fear of heightened abuse or retaliation. Additionally, they may fear being labeled as a liar. As such, they may not disclose the treatment they endure, so it’s imperative to familiarize yourself with the signs of abuse.
Generally, you should be on the lookout for unexplained injuries, poor hygiene, dirty clothes or bedding, drastic changes in personality, rapid weight loss, and missing money, as these can all be signs of abuse.
Additionally, if your loved one seems particularly fearful of certain staff members, this can indicate they are a victim of abuse.
How Do I File a Report?
If you have reason to believe your loved one is a victim of abuse at their nursing home, it’s imperative to take the necessary steps to protect them during these times. As such, if they are in immediate danger, you should call 911. However, you should also notify the nursing home and report your concerns to the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration.
It’s also important to understand that you can fight for compensation for the damages your loved one has endured as a result of the abuse. This includes medical expenses for sustained injuries and pain and suffering. However, pursuing compensation on your own can be incredibly difficult, so it’s in your best interest to connect with an experienced attorney.
At the Finizio Law Group, we know how upsetting these matters can be, which is why we are dedicated to fighting for your loved one. Contact our firm today to schedule a free consultation and discuss your legal options.
