Understand Nursing Home Abuse

As our loved ones grow older we oftentimes take on greater tasks to ensure their health and well-being. This is a difficult undertaking and there are times when we must rely on a nursing home or assisted living facility to provide care. There are federal and state laws in place, which are intended to prevent nursing home neglect and abuse. Unfortunately nursing home abuse still occurs to this day, including physical, emotional and sexual abuse, broken bones, bed sores, malnutrition, dehydration and wrongful death.

Here is a brief look at each type of abuse:

Emotional Abuse – Humiliation or intimidation of another person by allowing another to feel worthless, e.g., kept in confined spaces. Berating another by telling them that they cannot perform simple tasks and or daily tasks. This type of abuse can diminish ones self-worth, allowing the elderly to feel depressed and non-existent.

Physical Abuse – Any intentional unwanted contact with the other person’s body. This could result in pain, injury, or impairment. Battery or assault also falls into this category, but is not limited to bodily harm. Another form of physical abuse is restraints which are used to keep elderly in one position and which can cause bed sores and broken bones.

Financial Abuse – The improper use of ones funds without their consent or knowledge. This may impede ones ability to receive sufficient care, due to financial restraints. You must remember that financial abuse can have a great impact, and you should be aware of the financial state of your loved one.

With many different types of abuse it is imperative that family members, friends, and loved ones stay involved by making frequent visits and asking questions of care providers. Despite these efforts, neglect or abuse continues to occur.

Our professional personal injury lawyers are ready to stand up for your rights and are experienced at representing people just like you. We at O’Connor Law will hold the owners and operators of nursing homes and assisted living facilities accountable when they neglect or abuse our loved ones. Call us today for a free consultation 1 (800) 518-4LAW (1 (800) 518-4529) or visit us online www.oconnorlaw.com. Offices located throughout the commonwealth: Allentown, Bala Cynwyd, Bloomsburg, Frackville, Hazleton, Lancaster, Pittsburgh, Reading, Stroudsburg, Sunbury, Wilkes-Barre, and Williamsport.