Regrettably, nursing home abuse and neglect is becoming an epidemic in this country. What often takes place in these homes is reprehensible.
In the United States alone, an estimated 2.1 million seniors are the victims of some form of abuse every year.
What is even more shocking is that for every case of nursing home abuse and neglect that is reported, there may be as many as five more cases that go unreported. Research suggests that abused elders tend to die earlier than seniors who are well cared for, even in the absence of life-threatening and chronic conditions.
If you fear that a loved one is experiencing nursing home abuse or neglect, contact the Dearie Law Group right away. We can help you protect those who often have difficulty protecting themselves.
Physical abuse commonly can be the most frequent type of elder abuse. However, seniors also suffer from emotional and sexual abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation.
Some common signs of physical abuse among seniors are:
- Unexplained bruising
- Torn clothing
- Broken bones
Emotional abuse of the elderly may include:
- Yelling and threatening
- Intimidation
- Humiliation
- Ignoring
- Isolation of the patient from others
- Mocking, teasing and bullying
If your elderly loved one has been neglected, you may notice:
- Medications being ignored, or improperly given
- Improper personal hygienic conditions
- Unsanitary living conditions
- Malnourishment/dehydration
Financial exploitation is a common form of abuse of the elderly. Caregivers sometimes:
- Misuse elders’ checks, bank or credit accounts
- Take money, checks or belongings
- Forge signatures
- Authorize withdrawals or transfer of monies without consent
- Facilitate the patient’s identity theft