Bedsores Lawyer Washington DC
One of the most difficult decisions a family has to make is placing an elderly loved one in a nursing home. Although it is a hard one to make, it is often the best choice for everyone. Their loved one will get the professional care they need, and the family does not become overwhelmed trying to provide that care. Unfortunately, this scenario is not always the one that occurs and too many seniors become the victim of nursing home abuse or neglect. If this has happened in your family, contact a bedsores lawyer Washing DC families trust from Brown Kiely LLP to find out how we can help.
Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect
According to statistics collected by the National Council on Aging (NCOA), an incredible 10 percent of people over the age of 60 have suffered some type of elder abuse. This abuse can take place in many forms, including physical, emotional, and sexual abuse.
Physical abuse is when the perpetrator physically acts in a way meant to harm the victim. Emotional abuse is when the perpetrator insults, berates, harasses, or threatens the victim. Sexual abuse is when a staff member engages in sexual behavior with a victim who is unable to or does not give their consent. This is often the case with residents who have Alzheimer’s disease or dementia.
A nursing home lawyer Washington, DC clients recommend knows that nursing home neglect is also prevalent in these facilities. The failure of staff to provide the resident with the care they have committed to providing. This can include neglect of basic needs, such as food and water, neglect of personal hygiene, medical neglect, and emotional or social neglect.
Red Flags
There are red flags that can alert a family that their elderly loved one is a victim of nursing home abuse or neglect. This is why it is critical to always be vigilant to any changes or inconsistencies in your loved one’s behavior or appearance. While physical abuse is often evident – because of bruises, cuts, and other physical markings, emotional and sexual abuse are not so easy to pick up on. Signs usually include changes in their mood, withdrawing from any social activities, depression, or acting tense or fearful around certain nursing home staff.
Signs of neglect can be easy to spot as long as you make regular visits to see your loved one. Their physical condition will give away any neglect to the daily care they should be receiving from staff. Their room and surroundings should be clean and tidy. There are certain physical symptoms that should alert you that they may be suffering from malnutrition such as irritability, always being tired, hair loss, complaining of always being cold, and papery skin.
If you suspect your loved one is a victim of nursing home abuse or neglect, contact Brown Kiely LLP immediately to set up a free consultation with a bedsores lawyer in Washington DC. We will help you take the steps to protect your loved one and to pursue financial justice for any harm they have suffered.
