Nursing Home Abuse & Neglect
Nursing home abuse and neglect occurs far too often in nursing homes today. There are currently more than 1.8 million nursing home residents and the number is only expected to increase in the future. Nursing homes across the country make billions of dollars every year for tending to elderly patients in exchange for social security and other pension benefit plans. Unfortunately, not all of the nursing homes have a good record when it comes to actually delivering care to those for whom they are paid. In Chicago, for example, a hospice operator received a 73-count indictment for cheating Medicare and others of $28 million for services to terminally ill patients that were never delivered. The problem has become such an epidemic that the U.S House of Representatives commissioned a study and follow up report on the situation. Our parents and grandparents are not being taken care of!
Another sad occurrence of nursing home abuse and neglect is the physical abuse inflicted upon elderly patients by the nursing home staff. Courts have found incidences of unprovoked, brutal beatings administered to the point of near-death. Other times, one patient may abuse another while the facility staff turns a blind eye to the chronic practice.
Abuse can be classified as physical meaning unreasonable restraints, inappropriate drugging, or even burning. Abuse can also be psychological in nature. Along with abuse there is neglect. Neglect can also be physical such as not providing meals for the patients. Neglect can also be determined if there is a failure to prevent and aid the patient with things they need help with such as in the restroom or dialing a phone. The laws concerning elderly abuse are in constant flux and currently Congress is hard at work trying to pass new legislation to help.
Warning Signs of nursing home abuse:
- Bedsores
- Weight loss
- Excessive sleeping
- Injuries that cannot be explained
- Theft of resident’s property
- Poor hygiene
Ways to aid in the prevention of abuse and neglect of your loved one:
- Make sure nursing home is abiding by federal requirements.
- Make sure workers are screened prior to being hired.
- See if the nursing home offers support groups, training, and education for the caregivers.
- Check out the survey history of the facility.
- Ask how many staff members are on each shift.
If you believe that your loved one has been the defenseless victim of nursing home neglect or abuse, we can provide a free evaluation of your potential claim. Please contact us by calling us today at 1-800-779-4950. Or, if you prefer, email us at Info@Ogletreeabbott.com and we will contact you right away. There is no charge for the initial consultation. Call us today and let us help you with your possible nursing home abuse and neglect case.