Nurse Home Abuse Attorney

NURSING HOME ABUSE https://www.elderlawcenterofwisconsin.com/

Many Elderly Americans Rely on Nursing Homes There are approximately 1 million nursing home residents in the United States. Most of these residents are either elderly or have special needs. Residents not only require a significant amount of attention from nursing home staff members, they are also more vulnerable to abuse and neglect.

Nursing Home Abuse is Underreported Research about nursing home abuse is largely outdated & conducted less frequently than it should be. The Office of Inspector General in the Department of Health estimates that over onefourth of serious cases of nursing home abuse goes unreported.

Responsibilities of Nursing Home Staff A nursing home’s staff has many different obligations to residents. This includes: • Regularly meeting the nutritional requirements of residents.

• Attending to hygiene needs of residents.

• Administering medications.

• Making sure residents don’t leave the premises without supervision.

• Keeping residents safe from violence and abuse.

• Treating residents with respect and dignity.

When Nursing Homes Fall Short of Their Duty When a nursing home fails to provide adequate care to residents, they are acting negligently.

Negligence in a setting where people have special needs often has disastrous results for residents, including injury, malnutrition and mental health issues. In the context of nursing home care, negligence is often defined as neglect and abuse.

Violent Abuse in Nursing Homes Residents might be victims of assault at the hands of other residents or staff members. This could include hitting, shoving or improperly restraining a resident. Signs of physical abuse include: • Bruises • Cuts • Bleeding • Fractured bones.

Emotional Abuse in Nursing Homes Residents might also experience abuse in the form of shouting, insults or intimidation. This form of abuse can be reflected in a resident’s physical or psychological well-being. Signs include: • Depression • Anxiety • Unwillingness to talk about staff • Mood swings • Low self-esteem.

Neglect of Nursing Home Residents Because most nursing home residents require a significant amount of care, neglect is tantamount to abuse. For example, a resident with diabetes requires regular monitoring of blood sugar levels and administration of insulin. Failure to treat that patient adequately causes a great deal of physical harm and the potential for death.

• Significant weight loss • Malnutrition and dehydration • Lack of personal hygiene • Unexplained cuts or bruises • Unsanitary living conditions.

Do You Suspect Nursing Home Abuse?

If you believe that your loved one has been subject to abuse or neglect in a nursing home, you should speak up immediately. Voice your concerns with the nursing home staff and management. If you’d like to pursue legal action, you should know that there are several options at your disposal. Contact a nursing home abuse attorney as soon as possible.

Elder Law Center of Wisconsin Can Help Our nursing home attorneys Wisconsin offer free consultations. The attorneys at our firm have represented several clients across the state to make sure they get the care and compensation they deserve. Contact us today by filling out our online contact form or calling us at (262) 8126262.