Families may have to make the emotional decision to place their loved one in a nursing home. Sometimes, seniors need round the clock care so they can have a high quality of life. They’re supposed to be able to receive this care in the nursing home. Over time, you may notice signs that you’re loved one isn’t getting the quality care they need, or their health has suffered since they’ve been in the nursing home. If you suspect your loved one is a victim of abuse or neglect, a Fulton County nursing home abuse lawyer from Bey & Associates can help you.
It’s difficult to realize your loved one is dealing with abuse. You want them to be in a safe environment and hold the neglectful party accountable for their actions. Our firm has provided legal assistance to families whose loved ones have been abused in their nursing homes. We’ll show the nursing home their actions were unacceptable and seek compensation for your loved one’s injuries and pain and suffering.
When Resident Rights Are Violated
Your loved one has rights that the nursing home cannot infringe upon. If they do this, they are violating the law. For example, when your loved one goes to a nursing home, the home should only accept them if they are able to take care of them. If the level of care your loved one needs is too high for the nursing home, they should not take on that resident’s care.
There’s also the situation where your loved one’s health may decline. If the nursing home was able to take care of them when they moved there but found that now they cannot provide the care your loved one needs, they need to take action. The home needs to arrange a transfer for the resident to go to a place where they can get the care they need.
The nursing staff should have a sufficient amount of people on duty so they can administer proper care to residents. When there aren’t enough qualified nurses on staff, the residents will suffer because the current staff will likely be overwhelmed with the workload and will probably be overworked and fatigued. A staff that’s unable to provide care may result in neglecting their residents, regardless of intent.
If your loved one’s rights have been violated, our team of experienced nursing home abuse attorneys in Fulton County will find out. When we are gathering evidence for your case, we’ll examine what injuries your loved one suffered and how it affected their health.
Recognizing Nursing Home Abuse
When your loved one is in a nursing home, there are a few signs you should look out for that could indicate abuse. The symptoms you notice could indicate a type of abuse or neglect. Let’s go over the main kinds of nursing home abuse.
- Physical. Signs of physical abuse include bruises and bumps but can also be more serious like broken bones. If someone is handling your loved one too roughly or pushed them and they fell, they could be suffering from severe fall injuries.
- Emotional. When nursing home staff is disrespectful or cruel toward your loved one, it can take a damaging emotional toll. There’s also the chance staff isn’t making the effort to help your loved one go to and participate in social activities, so they may be feeling isolated.
- Financial. Many residents in nursing homes may have memory problems. Some staff may try to take advantage of this by forging checks on signatures or getting your loved one to change names on deeds their will. Financial exploitation can be devastating because your loved one may not realize what’s happening and their resources are being depleted.
- Sexual. Physical wounds, contracting STDs, and withdrawn demeanor can indicate sexual abuse if occurring. Some seniors may have issues with communicating, so verbalizing the abuse isn’t a possibility.
There could also be instances of resident-on-resident abuse, where another resident is causing your loved one’s pain and suffering. If this happens, the nursing home should take measures to protect your loved one.
Neglect may be unintentional, but it doesn’t excuse the harm that’s done to your loved one. If the nursing home cannot take care of all their residents, then some may go without getting their medication on time, they may miss meals, or they could be left in old, soiled clothing and bedsheets. If a resident requires help for using the bathroom, they may try to get up by themselves, which could result in a fall.
Your loved one’s wellbeing can greatly suffer in these situations and they should have never experienced them in the first place. Let’s take a look at the action you can take to help your loved one.
Nursing Home Abuse Resources
If you think your loved one is being abused, you may not know what to do. Georgia citizens have many options and resources they can get in touch with so they can protect their loved ones. You can contact the Long-Term Care Ombudsman. They will:
- Investigate issues involving residents in nursing homes.
- Identify the problems occurring and how those problems can be fixed.
- Educate staff on resident rights.
- Monitor the conditions of nursing homes.
The Ombudsman work to serve the residents. When they are investigating a nursing home, they will represent your loved one’s best interests. If they find a concerning situation, they’ll be able to help you and your loved one.
After you get your loved one to a safe place, you can work on holding the nursing home accountable for their actions. To start this process, you need a dependable nursing home abuse lawyer at your side.
Our Nursing Home Abuse Attorneys Are Here for You
Bey & Associates, LLC will represent your loved one and give them a voice. They shouldn’t have to endure the abuse and neglect, and deserve compensation for their injuries. If they suffered physical injuries, we’ll fight for their medical expenses so you can focus on them and their recovery, while knowing you’ll be able to cover the care. We’ll also seek damages for pain and suffering, as your loved one likely suffered emotionally.
It’s important to act quickly if you think your loved one is being abused. Contact our Fulton County nursing home abuse attorneys today to schedule a free consultation.
