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Nursing Home Abuse & Neglect

Take Action Now!Unfortunately, the very facilities that are intended to care for the elderly sometimes cause harm instead. Nursing home abuse and neglect commonly occurs when nursing homes do not hire enough staff and/or fail to properly train and monitor existing staff members. Due to the often poor physical or mental state of those living in nursing homes, it is often up to the family and friends of the abused to take action. If you are concerned that a loved one may be suffering abuse or neglect, you should contact an attorney who can advise you of your options. The attorneys at Halunen & Associates are committed to protecting the elderly against such abuses.

YOUR RIGHTS IN A NURSING HOME

Any and all nursing homes that receive federal funds through Medicare and Medicaid programs must comply with federal regulations that demand a high quality of care. Congress enacted the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1987 (also known as the Nursing Home Reform Act) to combat widespread neglect and abuse in nursing homes. The Act provides compresensive protection of nursing home residents, and calls for a high standard of services and care that maintains the physical, mental, and psychological well-being of residents. More information, including a complete list of nursing home obligations, can be found on the Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect Resource Center website.

SIGNS OF NURSING HOME ABUSE & NEGLECT

Listed here are possible indications that you, a friend, or a family member may be a victim of nursing home abuse & neglect:

  1. Unexplained cuts, bruises, burns, sprains, or fractures
  2. Sudden behavioral or mood changes
  3. Bed sores or frozen joints
  4. Poor hygiene
  5. Resident appears to be overly sedated
  6. Nursing home staff not allowing a resident to be alone with visitor(s), and/or delays and denial of visiting requests
  7. Malnutrition or dehydration
  8. Un-kept bedding (smell of urine or feces)
  9. Complaints of untreated medical condition and/or other complaints about home’s staff
  10. Loss of resident’s personal property (including money)
  11. Sudden changes in the handling of bank accounts and other monetary funds
  12. Changes in will and/or other financial documents

TYPES OF NURSING HOME ABUSE & NEGLECT

Mental Abuse – Any mistreatment that does not cause physical harm but results in harassment, humiliation, threats of physical abuse, and other forms of deprivation or intimidation

Physical Abuse – Mistreatment that results in physical harm to a resident of a nursing home. Physical abuse can include hitting, dropping, slapping, kicking, or any unnecessary physical force.

Sexual Abuse – Mistreatment through inappropriate touching without the voluntary and informed consent of the resident.

Verbal Abuse – The use of disparaging or derogatory language (written, oral, or gestured) in order to frighten or coerce a resident.

Financial Abuse – In poor states of mental or physical health, residents may be vulnerable to inappropriate suggestions regarding their finances.

STEPS TO PREVENT NURSING HOME ABUSE & NEGLECT

Helping to make sure our elder relatives and friends are happy and comfortable is an important priority for all family members and friends. The following is a list of suggestions family and friends can take to help prevent their loved ones from suffering poor treatment in their new homes.

  1. Keep in touch with family or friends who are in the care of nursing homes, and ask them how they doing.
  2. Make frequent and unscheduled visits to the nursing home.
  3. Contact the care providers and/or the nursing home staff and make sure your questions are answered.
  4. Suggest that your friend or family member try to create relationships with other residents in order to create a network of help and support.
Nursing home abuse and/or neglect does not have to be tolerated!

If your family member or friend has suffered abuse in a nursing home, or if you have been witness to elder neglect or abuse, please contact Halunen & Associates using our Contact Form or call our Minneapolis or Chicago office listed below. We will be happy to help you review your situation with a free initial consultation.