Currently, Americans are living longer than ever before as the population ages in place and advances in healthcare, and thus life expectancy, abound. According to Forbes, the population over 85 will triple by 2050, and one in five Americans will be over the age of 65. A growing number of elderly adults are finding themselves under the care of nursing homes and other elder care facilities, and those numbers will only increase exponentially over time. While nursing homes offer some of the best care available for the elderly, especially those with health conditions like dementia, there is still the looming threat of elder abuse by nurses and aides in these facilities.
What is Elder Abuse?
According to the National Center on Elder Abuse, elder abuse consists of intentional harm to a vulnerable senior citizen. According to a recent survey reported by ABC News, 30 percent of nursing homes in America were cited for incidents of abuse over a recent two-year period. Elder abuse can commonly include the following:
- Physical, sexual, or emotional abuse
- Neglect
- Financial Exploitation
This list is not exhaustive, but it gives you a framework of signs to look for in your loved one. If your loved one is living in an nursing home, you obviously can’t be with them to monitor them at all hours of the day. Therefore, it’s imperative that you pay close attention to changes of any kind in your loved one’s appearance or behavior. Bruises or other unexplained injuries, missing money or unexplained changes to your loved one’s bank account, drastic changes in mood, or signs of neglectful care like bedsores or lack of bathing are all signs that can point to nursing home abuse or neglect.
What Can You Do?
You know your loved one best, and if you suspect that they are not being cared for properly or have been the victim of neglect, it’s best to contact a nursing home neglect lawyer in Freeport. According to Fisk & Monteleone, it’s advisable to contact an attorney who is experienced in these matters, as sometimes it’s not easy to identify nursing home neglect on your own. An attorney can assist you with getting to the root of the situation, acquiring the facts, and determining if you have a case on your hands.
Elder abuse and neglect in nursing homes are serious issues, and you shouldn’t hesitate to seek help for your loved ones. A lawyer can help you fight for compensation and the care and dignity that your elderly loved one deserves.
If you’re concerned about your elderly loved one’s care, Fisk & Monteleone can help. Contact us today for a consultation on your case.
