Whether you’re researching nursing homes for your loved one, or they’ve already moved into one and you’re worried about their wellbeing, the idea of them suffering from abuse or neglect while you’re not there to see or stop it is terrifying. You know it’s a possibility, especially since it often gets media coverage when cases are discovered. But you also don’t want to believe that it could ever happen to someone in your family.
Unfortunately, nursing home abuse is a reality that affects many residents in assisted living facilities. The number of residents who report being abused is shockingly high. And to make matters worse, the reported numbers may be just the tip of the iceberg, as countless more victims may be afraid to speak out.
Just how bad is the problem? Check out the infographic below for more information on this growing and concerning issue in America.
What Can You Do to Protect Your Loved One?
The statistics above can be disheartening to read. You may feel helpless to protect your loved one if you are unable to care for them at home. But it’s important to note that not all nursing home residents are abused or neglected. However, keeping residents healthy and safe from harm often requires their children and other loved ones to have an active presence in their lives through regular visits, phone calls, or talks with their doctor.
If your loved one lives in a nursing home, be on the lookout for the following warning signs:
Unexplained injuries, including cuts and bruises
Sudden weight loss or signs of malnutrition, such as weakness and loss of energy
Worsening of health in the absence of new diagnoses
Personality change, including depression, anxiety, and withdrawn behavior
Poor hygiene, including unkempt living conditions, dirty clothing, and body odor
The more you visit your loved one, the less likely they’ll be abused. In addition, more frequent visits mean more opportunities to spot abuse before it threatens their health or even their life.
We Help Nursing Home Abuse Victims and Their Families
If you suspect nursing home abuse, don’t wait to see if it resolves or gets better. You must act right away to protect your loved one’s wellbeing. Bring up the issue with a nursing home administrator or manager right away, and don’t hesitate to call a lawyer.
At Nurenberg, Paris, Heller & McCarthy, our Ohio nursing home abuse lawyers are ready to assist you during this difficult time. We know that you feel betrayed and violated, and you’re devastated to know that your loved one might have been mistreated, abused, or neglected by the people who were supposed to be caring for them.
Let us help you get the compensation you’re owed for what your family has gone through. Contact us today for a free consultation. We’ll collect evidence that proves your loved one’s rights were violated, and we’ll fight to get you the money you need to move forward with your lives.
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