Understanding Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect
When families entrust their loved ones to the care of nursing homes, they expect a safe, compassionate, and nurturing environment. Unfortunately, not all facilities uphold these standards, leading to cases of nursing home abuse and neglect. Understanding the types, signs, and residents' rights is crucial to ensuring the well-being of elderly family members.

 

The Impact of Corporate-Owned Nursing Homes
Many nursing homes are part of larger corporate entities that prioritize revenue over residents' well-being. This corporate mindset often leads to cost-cutting measures that can severely impact the quality of care provided. Key issues include:
 

• Short Staffing: To maximize profits, corporate-owned nursing homes frequently operate with minimal staff. This lack of sufficient caregivers can result in inadequate attention to residents' needs, leading to neglect and increased risk of abuse.

• Systemic Neglect: The focus on profitability over care can create a culture of systemic neglect. Facilities may overlook crucial aspects of resident care, such as regular health checks, proper hygiene, and timely medical attention, leading to widespread suffering among residents.

• Underpaid and Overworked Staff: Employees in corporate-owned nursing homes are often underpaid and overworked, which can lead to burnout, decreased morale, and a higher likelihood of neglectful or abusive behavior.

Types of Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect
Nursing home abuse and neglect can take various forms, each with serious implications for the health and safety of residents. Below are the common types of abuse and neglect:

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1.  Physical Abuse: This involves the use of physical force that may result in bodily injury, pain, or impairment. Examples include hitting, slapping, pushing, or improper use of restraints.

2. Emotional or Psychological Abuse: This type of abuse includes verbal assaults, threats, harassment, or intimidation. Residents may also be subjected to isolation or being ignored, leading to emotional distress and depression.

3. Sexual Abuse: Any non-consensual sexual contact with a nursing home resident is considered sexual abuse. This can range from inappropriate touching to sexual assault.

4. Financial Exploitation: This occurs when someone illegally or improperly uses a resident’s money, property, or assets. Examples include forging signatures, coercing the resident into signing financial documents, or stealing money or possessions.

5. Neglect: Neglect is the failure to provide necessary care, resulting in harm or distress to the resident. This can include inadequate nutrition, poor hygiene, lack of medical care, or failure to assist with daily activities.

6. Healthcare Fraud and Abuse: This includes charging for medical services not provided, overcharging for services, or receiving kickbacks for referrals. 

Common Injuries from Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect
Abuse and neglect can lead to a wide range of injuries, some of which may be severe or even fatal. Common injuries include:
 

• Bedsores (Pressure Ulcers): Resulting from prolonged pressure on the skin, usually due to immobility and lack of repositioning.

• Fractures and Broken Bones: Often caused by falls, improper handling, or physical abuse.

• Bruises and Lacerations: Signs of physical abuse or improper handling.

• Dehydration and Malnutrition: Indications of neglect, resulting from inadequate food and water intake.

• Infections: Caused by unsanitary conditions or neglect of medical needs.

• Emotional Trauma: Manifesting as anxiety, depression, or withdrawal due to psychological or emotional abuse.

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Residents' Rights in Nursing Homes
Residents in nursing homes are protected by federal and state laws that guarantee their rights. These rights ensure that residents are treated with dignity, respect, and are free from abuse and neglect. Key residents' rights include:
 

• Right to Respect and Dignity: Residents have the right to be treated with respect and to live in dignity, free from abuse, neglect, and exploitation.

• Right to Privacy: This includes privacy in personal care, medical treatment, and communications.

• Right to Make Decisions: Residents have the right to make choices about their care, including choosing their doctor, participating in care planning, and making decisions about their daily life.

• Right to Quality Care: This ensures residents receive appropriate medical, nursing, and rehabilitative care.

• Right to Safety and Security: Residents should be in a safe environment, free from hazards and potential abuse.

• Right to Complain: Residents have the right to voice grievances without fear of retaliation and to have their complaints addressed promptly.

Seeking Legal Help
If you suspect that a loved one is a victim of nursing home abuse or neglect, it is essential to act quickly. Document any signs of abuse, report your concerns to the facility administration, and contact the appropriate state authorities. Seeking legal advice from an experienced personal injury lawyer specializing in nursing home abuse can help you navigate the complexities of these cases, protect your loved one’s rights, and seek the justice and compensation they deserve.

At Gorinshteyn & Watkins, LLC, we are dedicated to advocating for the rights of nursing home residents and holding negligent facilities accountable. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your case and learn how we can help you protect your loved one.

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Call us at 404-618-0808 or fill out our online contact form to schedule your consultation.