Victims of nursing home abuse often feel helpless. Caregivers are supposed to monitor residents’ health and well-being, but when nursing home staff members abuse their power, the elderly can suffer dire consequences.
Nursing home abuse and neglect take many forms. Common examples include:
- Physical abuse;
- Verbal abuse;
- Medication mistakes;
- Financial exploitation;
- Not maintaining a safe environment for residents;
- Not providing proper nutrition;
- Not providing sufficient health care;
- Not assisting with hygienic needs;
- And not offering shelter.
Unfortunately, the vast majority of elder abuse cases go unreported. Sometimes it is difficult for family members to identify the signs of mistreatment – especially if the resident has trouble communicating.
If you or your loved one was the victim of nursing home negligence, it is critical that you take action. Reporting the incident not only can help you attain justice, but it may also help other residents avoid the same mistreatment. Also, you may be able to make a claim against the liable party and recover compensation.
If the abuse happened in Arizona, contact the Rudolph & Hammond Law Firm. A personal-injury attorney in Scottsdale will investigate your case to determine if you may have grounds for a claim. Our lawyers have been representing the injured for more than 30 combined years. Schedule a consultation today by calling 480-951-9700.
Until then, read on to learn how to identify nursing home abuse and negligence:
How to Identify Nursing Home Abuse & Neglect
Certain forms of nursing home abuse are subtle and difficult to identify. For example, medication mistakes and malnutrition may not show symptoms for several weeks or months. Physical abuse, however, is often easier to notice.
Here are a few common signs of nursing home abuse and negligence, according to NursingHomeAlert.com
- Unsanitary and unclean conditions in the facility
- Abnormal behaviors from your loved one
- Your loved one shows fear or anxiety around staff members
- The nursing home staff does not allow you to spend time alone with your loved one
- You notice unexplained bruises or other injuries
- Your loved one frequently falls ill or contracts infections
- Malnutrition
- Dehydration
- Ulcers or bed sores
How to Report Nursing Home Abuse in Arizona
If a resident is in immediate danger, contact the police. You should also contact Arizona Adult Protective Services.
Make sure you have the victim’s contact information, name, and address. You will have to provide details about why you suspect abuse. You may also have to answer questions such as:
- Did you witness the abusive behavior?
- Does the resident have a support network of family and friends?
- Does the resident suffer confusion, memory loss or other cognitive conditions?
Finally, call an injury attorney as soon as possible. A Scottsdale personal-injury lawyer from the Rudolph & Hammond Law Firm can represent your interests.
We can evaluate your claim, talk to witnesses and fight for the maximum compensation. We can also help you avoid mistakes such as accepting a low settlement offer. Schedule a consultation today by calling 480-951-9700.