You may be unable to provide your loved one with the full-time care they require and deserve. But at the same time, your loved one may be unable to live on their own anymore. This is a difficult crossroads to stumble upon, which you may try to resolve by placing them in a nursing home. But what if abuse and neglect are taking place in this care facility? Continue reading to learn what the signs are for nursing home abuse and neglect and how an experienced Washington, D.C. medical malpractice lawyer at Simeone & Miller, LLP can help you report a claim.
What are the signs of nursing home abuse?
First of all, nursing home abuse occurs when a nursing home nurse or staff member injures one of their residents or otherwise puts one of their residents in serious danger. Such abuse may be seen in the form of physical, emotional, sexual, or financial abuse. Signs of each form include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Physical abuse:
- Your loved one incurred cuts, bruises, or broken bones without explanation.
- Your loved one experienced a fall without explanation.
- Emotional abuse:
- Your loved one appears depressed or withdrawn in group settings.
- Your loved one expresses fear in the presence of certain nurses or staff members.
- Sexual abuse:
- Your loved one has torn or dirty undergarments.
- Your loved one has incurred a sexually-transmitted infection.
- Financial abuse:
- Your loved one made a significant withdrawal from their bank account without explanation.
- Your loved one made a significant change to their estate plan without explanation.
What are the signs of nursing home neglect?
Nursing home neglect is different than abuse because it may be unintentional. Further, it is considered when a nursing home nurse or staff member does not fulfill their caretaking obligations for the residents. Signs of neglect include, but are not limited to, the following:
- A nurse or staff member fails to give your loved one their required medications.
- A nurse or staff member fails to give your loved one their daily meals or water.
- A nurse or staff member fails to assist your loved one to the bathroom.
- A nurse or staff member fails to assist your loved one with changing into fresh clothing.
Who should I report my claim to?
If you pick up on any of the aforementioned signs of abuse or neglect, you must immediately report it to Washington, D.C.’s Adult Protective Services. You may also report it to your local law enforcement and the owner of the nursing home care facility. Then, you may want to consider claiming elder abuse in legal action against the negligent nurse or staff member.
In the end, a skilled Washington, D.C. injury lawyer is ready and willing to stand by you throughout the reporting process. Contact Simeone & Miller, LLP today.