ATTORNEY NEWSLETTER
When we choose a nursing home to provide for our loved ones, we expect they will be provided compassionate and effective care. Unfortunately, this is too often not the case. Nursing home elder abuse is prevalent and widespread.
Residents in nursing homes do not require hospital care but can no longer be cared for at home. The range of residents in nursing homes is broad and varies from those with serious or critical injuries to those recovering from surgery.
With physical elder abuse, senior citizens may be neglected, abandoned, or even beaten by caregivers. Remember that in addition to physical or sexual assault, physical elder abuse includes when facility staff fail or neglect to properly care for residents. You should take all allegations or concerns by your loved one seriously. If you suspect abuse, ask them if it is occurring. Often times, victims are embarrassed about the abuse and will not seek help. The following are some common signs of physical elder abuse:
• unusual skin discoloration or red marks on the skin
• bruising or cuts/lacerations
• increased startle response or jumpiness
• unexplained change in mood, including depression
• excessive weight loss;
• broken bones;
• disorientation or difficulty concentrating;
• overmedication or other problems with medication;
• complaints of physical or sexual abuse
• restraints/chemical restraints; and
• constipation.
If you are concerned that you or your loved ones may be suffering from psychological abuse, contact an elder abuse lawyer at the California-based Evan Laws Firm, for a free, no-strings consultation today at 415-441-8669. Our elder abuse attorneys specialize in protecting older Californians from caretakers who have abused their role, and in preventing further abuse.
