Signs to Look for That Indicate Abuse:
Studies have indicated that nearly half of all nursing home residents experience abuse or neglect in one form or another. Within the past couple years, almost half of skilled nursing facilities in the United States were penalized for violations of regulations governing nursing home care. With an increasingly aging population, more and more individuals are being subjected to abuse and neglect than ever before. If you believe that your loved one has suffered such neglect at a nursing home, call your nursing home neglect lawyer in Louisville immediately for help.
Most problems suffered by nursing home patients are tied to one common denominator – understaffing. Staffing problems stem not only from insufficient or short staffing, but also through care provided by nurses and other caregivers in areas in which they are not properly trained or qualified. Understaffing is a sign of elder neglect, and you may want to contact a nursing home neglect attorney in Louisville if your loved one has suffered as a result.
Some common injuries to elders include decubitus ulcers and pressure sores, falls, dehydration and malnutrition, and the spread of infections. In some cases, neglect by nursing home staff can lead to preventable amputation. There are also many instances of avoidable falls resulting in bruises, broken bones and other serious injuries due to lack of proper supervision and care. Patients and residents also often suffer a deprivation of their dignity rights when, for example, they are exposed to unsanitary conditions. Unfortunately, some cases of pervasive neglect and abuse lead to the death of a resident, which may result in a wrongful death action.
Your loved ones deserve to be protected against abuse and neglect. The Louisville and Kentucky area nursing home neglect attorneys with Jim Ballinger at Louisville Lawyer, PLLC strongly believe that society can be judged how the sick, old, and bed-ridden are treated. It is the responsibility of the nursing home and their staff, therefore, to provide the best possible care to you and your loved ones.
Some residents cannot communicate to let other staff or family members know about abuse. Others are simply too scared to report abuse, fearing retribution from the offending staff member or being kicked out of the nursing home for “makingtrouble”.
If You Suspect Abuse, be on the Lookout for Warning Signs Like:
Medical Negligence at Nursing Homes:
- Failure to provide an examination, evaluation, or treatment
- Failure to provide a test an elderly person might need
- Delay necessary treatment
- Provide the wrong treatment
- Failure to follow up on the medical condition
- A misdiagnosis or delay in diagnosis
- Performing unnecessary surgery
- Prescribing unnecessary or wrong medication
If You Suspect Abuse, be on the Lookout for Warning Signs
- Physical marks, such as bedsores, bruises or scratches
- Difficulty sitting or walking
- Anxiety, depression and feeling of helplessness
- Signs of dehydration and/or malnutrition, unusual loss of weight
- Withdrawal and unordinary quietness
- Changes in grooming and hygiene habits
- Abrupt changes in mood or personality
- Symptoms of post-traumatic stress, including rapid changes in behavior when the abuser is in the room, or when certain tools (like physical restraints) are presented
- New, unfounded allegations that your loved one is a “troublemaker”
We’ll Answer the Call
It’s important to know that no two cases are alike when it comes to nursing home neglect or abuse. Here are some things to look for.
If you think your loved ones are the victims of nursing home or hospital abuse or neglect call and need a Louisville nursing home neglect attorney contact Jim Ballinger. He will advise you on your options and help you make the best choice for your individual circumstances.
