According to the National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA), at least 10% of all nursing home residents face abuse or neglect on a semi-regular basis. Unfortunately, the facilities we trust to care for our loved ones often fail to live up to their responsibility. There are more than 300 licensed long-term care facilities in Minnesota alone, with 30% of them deemed below average.
At Halunen Law, we fight to ensure your loved ones are taken care of and compensated for any harm they may have suffered due to substandard care, neglect, abuse, or maltreatment. We take our responsibility to heart. We will uncover the truth about your loved one’s care and will hold the nursing home accountable for any harm.
Signs of Nursing Home Abuse or Neglect
Some of the following scenarios may indicate negligence in a nursing home:
- Bedsores
- Bone Fractures
- Choking
- Dehydration
- Evicting Patients
- Elopement (leaving facility without notice)
- Falls
- Malnutrition
- Medication Errors
- Sexual Assault
- Unexpected Death
Signs to Watch For
To prevent your loved one from becoming a victim of abuse, neglect, or injury, it is helpful to understand and identify “red flag” issues or concerns:
- Direct complaints from your loved one
- Medical conditions that continue to be untreated
- Unacceptably dirty clothing or bedding
- Unexplainable bruises or abrasions
- Lack of hygienic care
- Drastic fluctuations in weight
- Changes in behavior
- Unusual financial transactions
Some changes in health may be expected due to the natural aging process, or an underlying medical condition. But there may be cause for concern if you observe a sudden or unexplained change in your loved ones’ health or behavior, or problems persist even after concerns have been expressed. It is critical to follow up on potential problems and contact a nursing home abuse attorney if you feel your loved one is suffering.
The financial and emotional impact of an injury suffered while under nursing home care can be devastating.
