|
|
 |
« Ensuring Nursing Home Regulations Reduce Elder Abuse: Ensuring Compliance May Help Minimize the Consequences of Nursing Home Neglect |
Main
| test »
No one wants to think their generosity will be misused, especially when it comes to those who are vulnerable, such as nursing home residents. However, in the case of some unscrupulous staff members with access to a resident's finances, elder abuse may be a lurking risk. How can a concerned relative know if financial abuse is occurring? Here are some warning signs that may indicate financial dependence is leading to elder abuse:
An unfamiliar pattern of spending - are there sudden withdrawals from the elder's account to unfamiliar businesses or individuals? Does the elder care facility seem to be charging more than initially agreed upon?
Substance Abuse Problems - does the person have a drinking or drug problem? Alcohol and drug related problems can lead to both physical and emotional violence - be very alert to signs or rumors of this type of problem with any staff member.
Excessive Gambling - does the person excessively gamble, either in casinos, online, or through the lottery? Wasteful spending habits can make a person desperate for cash.
Attempted Isolation of the Elder - do your calls go unanswered? Are you often told that your family member is sleeping/resting/doesn't feel like talking? Are unexpected visits discouraged?
Constantly Monitoring the Elder - does the person keep track of the elder's friends, other family members, and guests constantly? Is it difficult to have a moment alone to speak with the elder because the person is almost always nearby? In these situations, the person may be using intimidation to keep the elder quiet about ongoing abuse.
If you suspect that you, or a loved one is in an elder abuse situation brought on by financial abuse and nursing home neglect, contact the Law Offices of Young and Wallin to stop nursing home abuse and recover damages from the abusive facility.
« Encouraging the Empowerment of the Elderly: Providing Options to Redress Complaints through a Compassionate Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer |
Main
| Financial Dependence and Elder Abuse: When Money Problems Get Out of Hand, it May be Time for a Elder Abuse Attorney. »
While abuse and neglect is a crime in any form, the elderly are particularly vulnerable. An early study conducted to uncover the effects of elder abuse found that the mortality rates for elders who had been abused was significantly higher than expected. With over three times the risk of death than those who had not been abused, elderly patients who were referred for protective services oftentimes succumbed to the effects of the abuse.
The best way to avoid these types of tragedies is to ensure that any nursing home or elder care facility is fully compliant with all nursing home regulations. Nursing home regulations vary from state to state, however, at the very minimum, you should ensure that:
1. There is adequate staff, and resident requests are responded to quickly.
2. The staff is courteous and professional when dealing with residents.
3. There is licensed support staff, such as social workers and therapists.
4. The facility conducts thorough background checks on all staff.
5. All medical staff are properly educated and certified.
6. The director is helpful, open, and willing to address all questions and concerns promptly.
Be familiar with your state's laws regarding nursing home regulations, and be prepared to ask the administrator to explain exactly how the facility complies with all requirements. The consequences of elder abuse are too serious to leave to chance. Be sure that nursing home regulations are met before committing your loved one to a long-term care facility, nursing home, or elder care center. If you find that your loved one has been a victim of nursing home abuse, contact the authorities and retain the services of an experienced nursing home negligence attorney as soon as possible.
« Effects of Nursing Home Abuse-Even after elder abuse is stopped, the after-effects can continue to linger. |
Main
| Ensuring Nursing Home Regulations Reduce Elder Abuse: Ensuring Compliance May Help Minimize the Consequences of Nursing Home Neglect »
Elderly people who are victims of nursing home abuse oftentimes feel helpless, isolated, and uncertain. It can be difficult to reach out for help, especially if the elder feels that the person abusing them holds all the power. It's important to provide elders with the tools and resources to stand up for themselves, regardless of their current situation. Elder abuse can happen anywhere: a nursing home, a long-term care center, or even at the hands of family or friends. By making sure your loved ones have constant support and access to information, you can minimize the chances of someone you care for suffering at the hands of an unscrupulous caregiver.
The National Center on Elder Abuse provides help and resources for elder abuse victims. Their state resource directory provides links to state agencies designed to help the elderly and their families to report any suspected abuse or neglect. In California, Adult Protective Services provides a list in .pdf format of the contacts for each county. These agencies can be an invaluable source of information, help, and assistance for anyone suffering from elder abuse.
If you are a victim of nursing home abuse, or if you feel a loved one or friend may be a victim of nursing home abuse, report it! Letting elder abuse go unchecked can have devastating consequences, for both the elder and their family. The Law Offices of Young and Wallin specialize in handling elder abuse cases, and will help you fight back against nursing home abuse. The pain and suffering that a person goes through when abused by a person in a position of power and trust is indescribable. We will work with you to recover damages and to help you get back on the right path.
« Depression and Elder Abuse: Nursing Home Abuse can Trigger Depression in Otherwise Healthy Residents |
Main
| Encouraging the Empowerment of the Elderly: Providing Options to Redress Complaints through a Compassionate Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer »
The effects of nursing home neglect and elder abuse linger long after the events are passed. Mental, physical and emotional scarring are not uncommon. It may take years of therapy, along with medication and support, for an elder who has been abused to fully recover - and even then, the recovery may not be complete. Difficulty trusting others, shattered self-esteem, and feelings of helplessness may haunt the victim indefinitely. Conditions worsened by drug mismanagement, or staff incompetence can also trigger mistrust and fear in the elderly, who depend on others to treat them for these conditions.
It can be difficult to know what to do in these situations where the abuse has stopped and yet the suffering continues. It may be difficult to understand what your loved one needs in terms of care and support, and you may find yourself spending more on support services while you try to find another elder care facility that will not disappoint you. These stressful times often exacerbate the after-effects that come along with elder abuse, and can lead to depression and withdrawal by the elder as he or she attempts to cope.
If you or someone you love is still suffering the effects from nursing home neglect and elder abuse, you should seek the advice of an experienced nursing home abuse attorney. The Law Offices of Young and Wallin are ready and able to assist you with recovering damages owed due to elder abuse and nursing home neglect. Don't suffer in silence - contact us today and get a comprehensive evaluation.
« Deciding on a Quality Elder Care Facility: Choosing the Right Facility for Your Loved One Can Reduce the Chances of Elder Abuse |
Main
| Effects of Nursing Home Abuse-Even after elder abuse is stopped, the after-effects can continue to linger. »
A sudden change in your elder's attitude, memory, or emotional health can be distressing for everyone. Depression is not uncommon among the elderly, and can include a disinterest in hobbies, eating, or communication with family members, along with memory problems, withdrawal from family and friends, as well as weight-loss. However, each of these may also be a sign of nursing home neglect and elder abuse.
Because depression can signal elder abuse, it can be difficult to know whether or not your family member is being abused. In cases where there is a sudden change in behavior or attitude, speak with the staff, as well as any medical specialists that may be available to you. Some signs that depression may be caused by elder abuse are:
Bruises, burns or other unexplained injuries
Unexplained changes in medication or dosage
Indifference by members of the staff
Sudden, dramatic change in attitude by the elder without notification by the staff
If you feel that your family member may be suffering at the hands of nursing home staff, you must act quickly and decisively to help your elder before the situation escalates any further. The Law Offices of Young and Wallin specialize in handling nursing home neglect and elder abuse cases, and will help you to recover damages and move forward with your life.
« Creating a Long-term Care Plan: Planning well in advance can help minimize the chances for elder abuse and nursing home neglect. |
Main
| Depression and Elder Abuse: Nursing Home Abuse can Trigger Depression in Otherwise Healthy Residents »
Your family's plans for elder care should begin far in advance of the actual need for a nursing home. Age is one condition that is guaranteed to progress, and planning elder care options before they are needed is always a wise move. When choosing an elder care facility in California, keep these considerations in mind:
Cleanliness/Lighting - clean, well-lit facilities demonstrate not only a staff commitment to a hygienic environment, but also a potential health benefit. Some studies have suggested that light therapy can help improve elderly patients quality of life.
Meals - nutrition is an important part of a healthy nursing home experience. Make certain that there are specialized menus available for those who need a restricted diet, as well as a variety of food options, regardless of what type of diet the resident requires.
Staff - ask about training, orientation, and hiring practices for staff members at the nursing home. If there are excessive turnover rates, it may be an indication of possible nursing home abuse through staff neglect.
Communication - make certain that it's easy to contact a manager or supervisor if you have any questions. Staff should be helpful and answer any questions you may have, or refer you to someone who can provide more information if necessary.
Appearance of Residents - do the residents seem happy? If the current residents seem well cared for and get along well with the staff, it can be a good sign.
Amenities and Programs - if your elder is in fairly good health and is active, you will want to be certain there are amenities and programs designed to promote healthy interactions, hobbies, excursions, and other events that can add to the quality of life.
There are many different kinds of elder care facilities available in California. Choosing the right one for your situation can help you pinpoint any time the facility doesn't meet with your expectations. If you find yourself in a situation where the nursing home staff is being abusive or neglectful and you have nowhere to turn, the Law Offices of Young and Wallin can help you get the support you need to make sure the abuse stops and those responsible are punished.
|
|
