Boston Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer

Nursing home abuse and neglect

Elderly people are often unable to care for themselves properly as they get older and any medical conditions they might have become more debilitating. This makes them vulnerable and dependent upon the people caring for them. Sadly, as the demographics continue to change and there are many more seniors living in nursing homes today, the cases of nursing home abuse and neglect have been rising at an alarming rate. Some incidents get reported, but many more do not. One reason for this is that many seniors either don’t want to complain or have difficulty articulating what the problem may be. They’re often too helpless to help themselves. Family members also may not be aware of what signs to look for.

Most nursing homes are owned by private companies and corners are often cut to maintain the highest profit margins. Because of this, many nursing homes are understaffed and, as a result, abuse and neglect unfortunately occur.

The New York Times reports that 94 percent of nursing homes nationwide have been cited for violations of safety standards.*

What are some signs of nursing home abuse or neglect?

Some signs of nursing home abuse are fairly obvious, while others are not. This type of abuse can also be difficult to confirm, since some indicators can be associated with the natural aging process.

Here are the most common neglect indicators:

• Poor hygiene, an unkempt appearance, stained or torn clothing
• Untreated problems, such as bedsores
• Unexplained weight loss, malnutrition or dehydration
• Unexplained falls or fractures
• Wrongful or inappropriate care
• Unsanitary living conditions
• Medication errors
• Limited staff at the nursing facility

Emotional or psychological abuse indicators:

• Acting withdrawn or unresponsive, an unwillingness to communicate
• Unusual agitation or easily upset
• Underlying anger or evident fear
• Atypical behavior, such as muttering or rocking
• Verbal abuse by staff

Physical abuse indicators:

• Unexplained bruises, swelling, welts or signs of choking or burns
• Suspicious scratches, cuts or pinch marks
• Broken bones or fractures
• Changes in behavior, such as acting withdrawn, disoriented or agitated
• Unreasonable restraint
• Refusal of the caregiver to allow visitors

What’s the best way to deal with nursing home abuse or neglect?

First, become more proactive with your elder loved one right away by getting him the medical care he may need. Talk to and reassure him that you will not tolerate further abuse and that you are there to protect him.

Next, talk to an experienced personal injury attorney who specializes in nursing home abuse and neglect cases. Most of us also have elder loved ones, so we know how vulnerable they are. Through our more than 50-year history, we’ve become known as advocates for the elderly. Your loved ones deserve to be treated with dignity and respect.

Nursing Home Negligence Case Achievements

Neck Injury due to fall in Nursing Home – $110,000.00

Call today for a free consultation. No pressure. Just answers.