When family members grow old we need help caring for them in so many ways. Usually, people send their loved ones to an assisted living facility or a nursing home. In doing this, it can be very nerve-wracking for every party involved because we hope that these people will treat your loved one as if they are their own, and care for them the same or better than you would have.
Unfortunately, much like any other job, everyone does not always do their job well. However, at nursing homes, this failure can lead to other issues and open up cases that are unimaginable. To make matters worse, the neglect that takes place at these care facilities can go unreported for so long and can seriously affect your loved one. In the event that you or someone you know suspects that their loved one is being neglected or harmed in any way, you and your family may qualify for compensation for the damages and should speak with a personal injury attorney as soon as possible.
Know What to Look For
Nursing homes and assisted living facilities can commit abuse in several ways and should you have a loved one who is not in your care, it is important to know what that abuse may look like so that you can remain alert and prevent this as much as possible. There is common abuse that takes place, and you should be aware of what that can be.
Physical Abuse
Physical abuse is very common and is sometimes the most obvious to spot. Staff members are known to hit, push, scratch, or restrain patients, which can lead to many other levels of abuse for a victim. When trying to prove there has been physical abuse, proof of bruising and lacerations makes for an easier case.
Emotional Abuse
Emotional abuse is just as common as physical abuse but not as easy to prove. Staff members may bully the patients, causing them humiliation and to be frightened of them. This intimidation is harder to prove, but still very painful to experience.
Sexual Abuse
Sexual abuse is quite self-explanatory — any abuse through sex. This is very painful to the victim, but also painful to suspect as a loved one. When a staff member elicits sexual activity without the patient’s consent, this is abuse.
It is already hard for many people to have to allow their loved ones to stay in the hands of strangers and hope that they treat them kindly. It is even harder to know that they have not. Should you suspect any form of abuse has happened to your loved one in a nursing home, speak with a skilled nursing home abuse attorney, like a nursing home abuse attorney in Atlanta, GA, as soon as possible.
Thanks to the law office of Andrew R. Lynch for their insight into nursing home abuse.