The signs of nursing home abuse are often subtle. Some victims – particularly those with cognitive impairments – do not understand that they are being mistreated. Other times, residents who experience abuse are too afraid to report the problem.
Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows that nursing home neglect and abuse have become deplorably common. Approximately 10 percent of people older than 60 who live in retirement homes suffer abuse, neglect or exploitation. According to Adult/Elderly Protective Services, there are more than 7,300 reports of abuse involving vulnerable and older adults in Louisiana each year.
If your family member is in a nursing home, it is critical that you know the signs of abuse and how to respond if you suspect mistreatment. Nursing home abuse takes many forms including:
- Financial exploitation;
- Physical abuse;
- Neglect;
- Sexual abuse; and
- Emotional abuse.
If you or a family member was victimized at a nursing home in Louisiana, turn to Morris Bart, LLC. A Shreveport personal-injury attorney will evaluate your case to determine if have grounds for a claim against the at-fault staff member or facility. Call 800-537-8185 to schedule a free consultation.
How to Identify Nursing Home Abuse
Some cases of nursing home abuse are more difficult to identify than others. Although the signs of physical abuse are often easy to spot, medication errors may only show symptoms weeks or even months after the mistake.
According to HelpGuide.org, these 12 signs often indicate that a retirement home resident is being abused, neglected or exploited:
- Abrupt changes in behavior;
- Poor hygiene;
- Fear and anxiety;
- Nursing home staff does not let family members visit the resident unsupervised;
- Unexplained cuts, bruises or other injuries;
- Frequent infections;
- Regular falls and accidents;
- Bedsores and ulcers;
- Malnutrition and dehydration;
- Broken eyeglasses;
- Signs of restraint on the resident’s wrists and ankles; and
- Sudden, unexpected death.
For a free legal consultation, call 800-537-8185
How to Report Nursing Home Abuse in Louisiana
In Louisiana, it is against the law not to report incidences of elder abuse, neglect and exploitation. If your family member is in immediate danger, call the police.
You should also report the incident to Adult/Elderly Protective Services by calling the nursing home abuse hotline at 1-800-898-4910. Make sure you have the victim’s full contact details and information about the alleged abuse at hand when you report the incident to APS/EPS.
You should also contact an injury attorney to discuss your case. You or your loved one may be entitled to compensation for medical bills and other damages related to the mistreatment.
A Shreveport personal-injury lawyer from Morris Bart, LLC will gather evidence, interview witnesses and help you hold the at-fault parties accountable for their actions. There is no excuse for elder abuse, and our legal team is ready to help you seek justice. Call 800-537-8185 to schedule a free initial consultation.
Questions?Call 800-537-8185
to find a Morris Bart office near you.
