Elder abuse has become alarmingly common in the United States. Nearly 10 percent of people aged 60 and older have experienced abuse, neglect or exploitation, according to the National Council on Aging. Sadly, only 1 in 14 of these cases gets reported because victims are often too scared or unable to seek help.
If Your Loved One Is in a Nursing Home, It Is Important that You Watch Out for Signs of Abuse
Common symptoms include:
- Marks of restraint on the wrists and ankles;
- Bedsores;
- Malnutrition;
- Poor hygiene; and
- Unexplained bruises and cuts.
Physical battery is just one form of nursing home abuse. Others include neglect, financial exploitation, verbal abuse and sexual abuse.
For a free legal consultation, call 800-537-8185
Some Senior Citizens Are More Vulnerable to Elder Abuse Than Others
Common risk factors include:
- Elder person has dementia;
- Caregiver has a history of domestic violence; and
- Caregiver has personal issues.
If you believe that your family member was a victim of elder abuse, report the incident to Adult/Elderly Protective Services. Contact the police if he or she is in immediate danger. Then, consult a personal-injury attorney to find out if your loved one has grounds for a claim against the at-fault caregiver or facility.
A New Orleans injury lawyer from Morris Bart, LLC can help your loved one pursue justice and compensation from the liable party. Our attorneys will gather evidence, interview witness and provide comprehensive legal guidance. Call 800-537-8185 to schedule a free initial consultation.
Let’s Take a Closer Look at Three Common Risk Factors of Nursing Home Abuse
Elder Person Has Dementia
If your loved one has dementia, then he or she is at a high risk of elder abuse or neglect, according to the National Center on Elder Abuse. Caregivers at nursing homes know that residents with dementia are unlikely to report mistreatment. Also, these residents often require extensive supervision, which can make a caregiver impatient. Senior citizens with dementia are also easy targets for financial exploitation.
Caregiver Has a History of Domestic Violence
The growth of the elder population in the United States has increased the demand for nursing homes. Sadly, many of these facilities do not screen their employees effectively. If a nursing home hires a caregiver with a history of domestic violence, then he or she is more likely to abuse or neglect a resident.
Caregiver Has Personal Issues
If a caregiver has financial or emotional problems, then he or she is more likely to abuse, neglect or exploit a nursing home resident. Caregivers who are addicted to alcohol or drugs are often the culprits behind elder abuse. If your loved one was abused in a Louisiana nursing home, turn to Morris Bart, LLC for legal guidance.
Taking action not only will put a stop to the abuse, but it also may save other residents from the same mistreatment. Your family member may be entitled to compensation for medical bills and other damages.
Call 8800-537-8185 to schedule a free initial consultation with a personal-injury attorney in New Orleans.
Questions?Call 800-537-8185
to find a Morris Bart office near you.
