One of the worst things a person can endure is learning that a beloved elderly family member, whom they have entrusted to the care of a nursing facility or senior care provider, has been abused or neglected. Elder abuse and neglect comes in many forms. Nursing home residents can be abused or neglected physically, sexually, and verbally. Some abuse or neglect is obvious, such as hitting an elderly resident or neglecting their basic needs, but other instances are less obvious, such as false imprisonment, financial abuse, and emotional abuse.
At Liberty Oak, we have personal experience with elder abuse and neglect. One of our team members' grandmother was admitted to a nursing home with alzheimer's and dementia. She needed assistance to eat. After a period of time, she appeared to be malnourished, indicating possible neglect. This is an example of neglect rising to the level of physical abuse actionable under the law.
Nursing home residents can be the victim of:
- Emotional abuse
- Verbal assault
- Physical harm
- Financial exploitation
- Serious neglect
- Sexual abuse
Signs of neglect may include:
- Dehydration or malnourishment
- Incorrect medications
- Poor hygiene
- Soiled bedding
- Agitation, withdrawal, or fear
- Frequent emotional outbursts
- Complaints about bad treatment
Every form of elder abuse is different. Common signs to watch for include a nursing home staff member who is unwilling to let you spend time alone with your loved one, your loved one becoming frequently argumentative or uncooperative, or an unexplained drastic personality change involving secrecy or unwillingness to discuss nursing home conditions. If you suspect abuse or neglect of your loved one, call our attorneys at Liberty Oak for a free consultation.
