Steps to Take When You Suspect Nursing Home Abuse
March 9, 2016
Studies show that as many as 44 percent of nursing home residents fall victim to abuse. This is a shocking number, and one that needs to change. If you think you may have been abused or if you know someone who you think is being abused in a nursing home, we urge you to contact us so that we can help. Your Sarasota Nursing Home Abuse Attorneys at Jodat Law Group can help!
What are Some Signs of Sarasota Nursing Home Abuse?
Even with the alarmingly-high rates of Sarasota nursing home abuse, no one expects to become a victim. As a result, it can often be difficult to acknowledge or accept that you or a loved one may be suffering as a result of abuse. While some forms of abuse are obvious (such as hitting or verbally belittling a resident), in other situations you may have to go by the warning signs and symptoms.
The following are 10 common signs of physical and sexual abuse in nursing homes:
- Anxiety and depression
- Fall-related injuries
- Issues maintaining hygiene
- Mood swings
- Pressure ulcers (including bedsores)
- Signs of dehydration or malnutrition
- Unexplained infections
- Unexplained weight loss or weight gain
- Use of unnecessary restraints
- Unsanitary conditions
In addition to physical and sexual abuse, elderly nursing home residents often fall victim to financial abuse as well. Residents suffering from dementia are particularly susceptible to financial abuse. Evidence of financial abuse may include: checks being made out to nursing home staff members, unusual charges on residents’ credit cards, and unexpected changes to a resident’s will.
What Should I do if I Suspect Sarasota Nursing Home Abuse?
If you suspect that you or your loved one may be a victim of abuse in Florida, it is important to seek help as soon as possible. To report nursing home abuse, you should:
- Seek Medical Attention Right Away
If you suspect physical or sexual abuse, your first step should always be to see a doctor. Some abuse-related injuries – such as bedsores – can get much worse without prompt medical care. Your doctor will also be able to help identify if your injuries are consistent with abuse.
- Seek Legal Advice as Soon as Possible
Once you see a doctor, your next step should be to consult with an attorney who focuses their practice on nursing home neglect and abuse. An experienced attorney will be able to help you protect your legal rights and take action to prevent further mistreatment. Nursing home abuse can lead to mounting medical bills, pain and suffering, and severe emotional trauma, and hiring an attorney to represent you will help ensure that you receive maximum compensation for your losses.
- Avoid Discussing What Happened with Nursing Home Personnel
Finally, you should avoid discussing what happened with the nursing home’s managers and staff. Your attorney will handle this for you. If you speak with someone at the nursing home, they may try to convince you that what happened was “normal” or “ok” in order to dissuade you from leaving or pursuing a claim for compensation. You and your loved ones deserve better, and the best way to protect yourself in this situation is to avoid it altogether.
Schedule a Free Consultation at Jodat Law Group | Serving Sarasota and Bradenton, FL
At Jodat Law Group, we are committed to helping victims of nursing home abuse get the help they need and obtain the compensation they deserve. To learn more about what we can do to help, contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation.
