Abuse In Nursing Home Essay

Elderly people, as well as those with certain medical conditions, throughout Alabama often require care that their families cannot provide on their own. In order to see that they receive the treatment they need and are properly cared for, many choose to move their loved ones into nursing homes. When they make this decision, however, few expect their family members to suffer abuse at the hands of those who are charged with their care.

Recently, AL.com reported that an 86-year-old woman had to be hospitalized due to physical abuse by a nursing home employee. She purportedly hit her forehead on a table, suffering a hematoma, when the worker threw her onto the bed. The woman also required stitches for a cut she sustained when the staff member took the call-button away from her. Unfortunately, this is just one instance of the types of mistreatment that are all too common in nursing homes across the state. There are things that people can do, however, to protect their loved ones from nursing home abuse.

What is nursing home abuse?

When most people think of nursing home abuse, physical violence or cruelty is what comes to mind. This type of mistreatment can take on many forms, however. Sexual assault, psychological abuse, gross neglect and financial exploitation are all types of abuse that may occur in nursing homes, according to the National Center on Elder Abuse. As a result of nursing home abuse, residents may suffer injuries or worsened medical conditions, as well as develop mental or emotional disorders.

Common signs of nursing home abuse

The signs of physical abuse in nursing homes, including bruises, bumps, cuts and broken bones, are generally easy to identify. Other signs of nursing home abuse and neglect, however, may be less distinguishable. Some of the most common of these signs include:

• Unusual or unexplainable depression

• Sudden change in level of alertness

• Irregular weight loss

• Bed sores

• Poor

hygiene

By knowing what signs to look for, people can immediately take action to address suspected nursing home abuse or neglect. As such, they can protect their loved ones from suffering ongoing or escalating abuse.

Listen to loved ones

In addition to watching for signs of abuse, people should also listen to their loved ones. When nursing home residents are suffering abuse, they may tell family members about their mistreatment. In other cases, they may feel ashamed to disclose that they are being abused. However, they may reveal a change in feelings about their home or those who provide their care.

Report suspicions of nursing home abuse

When people suspect nursing home abuse, it is important that they report their concerns. Often, people may choose to first take their suspicions to the nursing home administrator or management. If their concerns are not addressed at that level, people may choose to notify the Adult Protective Services Division of the Alabama Department of Human Resources. This will typically initiate a formal investigation. In cases when the danger is immediate and assistance is urgently required, people should call 911 or their local law enforcement.

Seeking legal representation

When people in Alabama are the victims of nursing home abuse, they often develop additional or worsened medical conditions. As a result, they may require medical treatment, which could lead to undue expenses. In some cases, the person who committed the abuse, or facility that allowed it, may be held liable for the resulting damages. Working with an attorney may help those who have experienced situations such as this to understand their rights and options for pursuing financial compensation.