The COVID-19 pandemic was a trying time for everyone, but the impact has been particularly severe on our most vulnerable population—those residing in nursing homes. The crisis has illuminated serious issues in the nursing home industry, with abuse becoming an alarming and prevalent concern.
Understanding the nature and extent of nursing home abuse is the first step toward safeguarding our loved one’s rights and dignity. This information empowers us to demand better care and take legal recourse when necessary. Let’s delve deeper into this issue and explore where you can find a nursing home abuse attorney.
What Is Nursing Home Abuse?
Elderly abuse is any form of mistreatment that leads to harm or loss of dignity in older adults. Nursing home abuse can include physical, emotional/psychological, sexual, and financial exploitation.
An unsuspecting type of abuse is neglectful behavior, where nursing home staff fails to provide the necessary care, nutrition, and medication to residents. To combat this, one of the best ways to fight elder abuse is by utilizing a nursing home abuse attorney.
9 Signs of Nursing Home Abuse
Recognizing signs of abuse is a crucial step in protecting your loved ones. Here are some indicators that nursing home abuse may be occurring:
- Unusual or sudden changes in behavior or mood
- Unexplained injuries such as bruises, burns, or fractures
- Dehydration and malnutrition
- Frequent infections or illnesses
- Poor hygiene or an unkempt appearance
- Fear or anxiety around specific staff members
- Unexplained financial transactions or changes in financial status
- Sudden weight loss
- Bedsores or other preventable conditions
Elder abuse is serious. Often, catching it starts with a family member following up on a suspicious sign. Don’t be afraid to call in a nursing home abuse attorney earlier rather than later.
The Pandemic’s Influence on Nursing Homes
The pandemic has exacerbated the preexisting challenges in nursing homes, creating a breeding ground for abuse and neglect. The following factors have contributed to the spike in cases:
- Quality of Staff and Residents: Due to high turnover rates, staffing shortages, and inadequate training, many nursing home employees are not equipped to handle the demands of caring for vulnerable residents. This leads to an increased risk of not just nursing neglect, but resident-to-resident abuse.
- Poor Facility Conditions: Nursing homes that were already struggling with understaffing, inadequate resources, and safety violations have been further overwhelmed by the pandemic’s lasting impact. As a result, residents are at greater risk of exploitation and mistreatment.
- Prolonged Isolation: The isolation policies implemented during the pandemic have limited residents’ access to families, friends, and ombudsmen. The absence of oversight has allowed abuse cases to go unnoticed and unreported.
If you’re worried about a loved one who is currently in a nursing home and you’ve witnessed any of the above signs, the time to act is now. Call in a nursing home abuse attorney so that you can protect your loved one before the situation escalates.
Act Now With the Help of PMHP
At PMHP Law, we understand the pain and frustration that comes with discovering your loved one has been mistreated while in the care of a nursing home. Our experienced nursing home abuse attorneys specialize in elder abuse cases and have a track record of successfully holding accountable those responsible for neglect and abuse.
We will work tirelessly to ensure your loved one’s rights are protected, and they receive proper compensation for any harm or suffering they have endured. Don’t let your loved one suffer in silence. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and discuss your case.