Nursing Home Abuse

The National Center on Elder Abuse reports more than 30% of all nursing homes in America have experienced some form of resident abuse. Their statistics also show that more than 50% of nursing homes are inadequately staffed, leaving the existing staff overburdened, which can lead to nursing home neglect and abuse.

Injuries sustained by nursing home residents due to neglect and abuse often involve the inappropriate use of physical restraints, sedatives, and urinary catheters. Common symptoms of abuse are loss of mobility, pressure sores and lack of nutrition with weight loss.

While most nursing homes are safe, there is a real concern when choosing the right nursing home for your loved one.  Visit www.medicare.gov for a complete listing and comparison of nursing homes in your area. 

---

Nursing home abuse or neglect is not always easy to spot, many times a person may think it's just the progression of age. Below are a few things to be aware of;

¨  Unexplained bruises, cuts or fractures

¨  Bedsores

¨  Frozen joints

¨  Unexplained infections

¨  Sudden changes in behavior

¨  Delaying or refusing to allow visitors

¨  Resident kept over-medicated

¨  Unusual fear

¨  Depression or withdrawal

¨  Unwillingness to communicate

¨  Unwarranted restraints

¨  Sudden weight loss

¨  Unsanitary environment

¨  Loss of possessions

¨  Sudden large withdrawals from the bank

¨  Abrupt changes in will or financial documents

¨  Sudden unjustified selling of property

If you suspect your loved one is not being cared for properly in a nursing home, contact the authorities. If your loved one has been a victim of nursing home abuse or neglect, contact Johnson Law Firm for a free confidential consultation.

We will fight for their rights.

 

 

---