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Lever & Ecker, PLLC January 17, 2023 General
When our loved ones are in the care of a nursing home facility, we expect nursing home staff to care for them as we would. However, with the prevalence of reports of abuse in New York nursing homes, placing your trust and confidence in these facilities can certainly be difficult. For families with loved ones in nursing homes, vigilance is key. You may identify abuse or neglect by recognizing signs of mistreatment, neglect or abuse.
Signs that can indicate abuse may include a drastic change in behavior, malnourishment, dehydration, bedsores, and physical signs. If you suspect your family member is suffering due to nursing home abuse, the New York nursing home abuse lawyers at Lever & Ecker, PLLC, will work on your behalf and on behalf of your family member to hold the responsible parties accountable for their actions or failures to act.
Nursing home abuse may include conduct that is physical, emotional, sexual, or financial. Because abuse can take many forms, warning signs may not always be readily apparent.
Below are common signs of abuse to look for, that may help you protect your loved ones from nursing home mistreatment:
Although changes in behavior are not uncommon in elderly adults, especially those with dementia and other conditions that affect mood or cognition, significant changes while in a nursing home may be a sign of abuse. Indications of social withdrawal, anxiety, or aggression could indicate mistreatment, abuse, or neglect from nursing home staff.
In nursing homes, caregivers are responsible for feeding and hydrating their residents to prevent malnourishment and dehydration. Unfortunately, meals may be withheld, skipped, or fail to provide necessary nutrition. If your loved one is losing weight or has developed conditions due to dehydration, it may be an indication of nursing home abuse or neglect.
Bed sores are a common sign of nursing home neglect or abuse. Seniors confined to a bed for long periods are at risk of developing pressure ulcers, also called bed sores. Residents must be turned and repositioned regularly, sometimes with the use of special mattresses, so pressure does not build up on specific areas of the body.
Physical signs of abuse can be the most apparent. If you notice injuries such as cuts, bruises, broken bones, or unexplained marks, demand an explanation from the staff, or management. Depending on the circumstances, moving the resident to a different facility and speaking with a New York nursing home abuse lawyer may be in your best interest.
Another significant indication that a family member is being abused or neglected in a nursing home facility is the living conditions and cleanliness of the facility. Take note of your loved one’s personal hygiene and appearance. It is a red flag if they are ungroomed or unbathed, their bedding is soiled, or their room is in poor condition.
The elderly are at high risk for financial exploitation, especially from their caregivers at nursing homes. Signs that indicate such misconduct include unexplained withdrawals from checking or savings accounts, unexplained overdrafts, suspicious purchases, or missing valuables from your loved one’s room.
One of the primary responsibilities of nursing home facilities is to ensure their residents get the care they need, including medical care. If your loved one’s health declines after moving into a nursing home, or they are not receiving the care and treatment they deserve, including the proper administration of medications, this could be a sign of abuse or neglect.
If nursing home staff have violated your loved one’s rights or failed to adhere to a reasonable duty of care, speak with the New York nursing home abuse lawyers at Lever & Ecker, PLLC. We have 65+ years of combined legal experience advocating for victims who have suffered at the hands of a nursing home facility. We are always prepared to go to trial to fight for the justice you deserve.
To learn more about our award-winning legal representation, call us at (914) 288-9191 or (718) 933-3632 or fill out our contact form today.