Do You Know the Signs of Nursing Home Abuse and How to Protect Your Loved One?

In the September issue of PKSD’s Newsletter, You Should Know, the problem of nursing home abuse is discussed, including some alarming statistics about the problem.

According to the National Ombudsman Reporting System, more than seven percent of the complaints reported to state ombudsman programs in 2014 were about gross neglect, abuse or exploitation of nursing home residents. CNN did a special investigation in 2017 and discovered that the federal government had cited more than 1,000 facilities for mishandling cases of sexual assault and abuse between 2013 and 2016.

This month’s newsletter also goes over the warning signs that a loved one is being abused and what you can do to help protect your vulnerable loved one. If you think your loved one is being abused or neglected, contact a Wisconsin nursing home abuse attorney from PKSD for a free, no obligation legal consultation.

Watching for Signs of Abuse

It is crucial for family members to watch for signs of abuse because their loved ones may be scared or unable to explain what is happening. This is particularly true if your loved one has diminished mental capacity because of a mental disorder.

Some of the signs of abuse could include:

Elderly people who have suffered abuse have a higher risk of early death compared to elderly people who have not been abused.

How to Protect Your Loved One

One of the best ways to protect your loved one is to be careful when choosing a nursing home. For example, avoid homes that have restricted access. You should also trust your instincts – if other residents seem to be poorly taken care of, it could be sign that the facility does not do a very good job taking care of its residents.

You should also make sure to frequently visit at different times and on different days. This will help give you an idea of what daily life is like for your loved one.

Contact an Attorney Today

Has your loved one been abused at a nursing home?

You may have legal options for recovering compensation for the damages your loved one has suffered, such as medical bills and pain and suffering.

The experienced attorneys at PKSD understand the many factors involved in these cases and what it takes to build a strong case. We know how to investigate to get to the bottom of what happened and determine the full value of your claim.

Complete a Free Case Evaluation form today or call us at 877-877-2228.