After making the difficult decision to put a loved one in a nursing home or assisted living facility, you want to be confident that you can trust the staff and that your family member is not at risk of harm. All too often, that is sadly not the case. According to data by the National Council on Aging, 5 million older Americans are abused each year, and the financial loss of elderly victims each year is estimated to be at least 36.5 billion. Many experts believe the numbers are likely even higher, but sadly, nursing home abuse often goes unreported.
If you suspect that your loved one has been abused or neglected at the hands of a nursing home or assisted living facility, an experienced nursing home abuse attorney may help recover the compensation you and your loved one may be entitled to. Our team of Yardley nursing home abuse lawyers at Stark & Stark has decades of experience protecting the rights of injured victims throughout Bucks County.
Contact us today to schedule a free confidential consultation to learn more.
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What Is Considered Nursing Home Abuse or Negligence in Yardley?
Nursing home abuse, or elder abuse, refers to when a caregiver or other employee deliberately takes advantage of a vulnerable or handicapped adult. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, at least 10% of adults ages 65 and older will experience some form of elder abuse in a given year.
Nursing home abuse and elder abuse are not just confined to nursing homes. It can also take place in assisted living facilities or in adult daycares.
Nursing home abuse can take the following forms:
- Physical abuse: Physically harming residents by pushing, hitting, or similarly violent actions.
- Emotional abuse: Repeatedly demeaning residents by using harmful language, shouting at them, being emotionally manipulative, etc.
- Financial abuse: Using threats, manipulation, and other means to obtain the victim’s funds or using their money without their consent.
- Sexual abuse: Raping, sexually assaulting, and committing acts of sexual violence against residents.
Negligence can similarly harm a resident, but the facility or caretaker may not have intended to inflict harm. An example is neglecting the care and well-being of your loved one. Neglect may be caused by a staff member’s failure to assist a resident with eating, bathing, or using the bathroom.
Why Does Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect Happen?
Like any other business, nursing homes are businesses that are trying to keep costs low and profits high, while also caring for our loved ones. This can lead to factors that contribute to nursing home abuse such as:
Not enough staff: Nursing homes that fail to employ a reasonable amount of staff members in ratio to the number of residents at the facility risk putting residents in danger. The most rapidly growing segment of our population is adults over 85, so with more of our elderly loved ones entering nursing homes and assisted living facilities, these facilities must employ enough staff to meet the needs of their residents.
Undertrained employees: Nursing homes have a duty to their residents to hire staff members that are properly trained and certified for the jobs they will be working. Undertrained staff may not know how to provide the expected level of care for residents which can lead to injuries and similar harm.
Poorly maintained facilities: Nursing homes and other assisted living facilities should be properly maintained and free of any slip and fall risks or other dangerous conditions. The facility should also be in a sanitary condition with regular cleaning protocols in place.
Negligent hiring practices: If a nursing home hires staff without running background checks on them, they are putting residents at risk of abuse or neglect and may be held liable if a resident is harmed.
Why Does Nursing Home Abuse Go Unreported?
One of the most heartbreaking factors of nursing home abuse is how often it goes unreported. Victims of nursing home abuse may not have the means to report the abuse or may fear retribution for doing so. In some cases, victims may not even be aware of the abuse due to advanced age or health conditions. For these reasons, it is often up to the victim’s family to notice if there is a problem and take action.
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Signs of Elder Abuse and Neglect
According to data from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, one in five Medicare claims were the result of potential abuse or neglect. It is important to stay look for any changes you notice in your loved one that could indicate abuse or neglect. Some signs that elder abuse may be occurring are:
- Unexplained weight loss
- Unexplained wounds, broken bones, or bruises
- Poor hygiene and unsanitary living conditions
- Dehydration or malnutrition unrelated to existing medical conditions
- Depression or sudden change in mood
- Appearing socially withdrawn or refusing to speak
- Refusal or unwillingness to speak to physicians about injuries or conditions
- Unexplained bank withdrawals or missing cash or items
How Can A Yardley Nursing Home Abuse Attorney Help?
If you start to notice signs of caretaker abuse in a loved one, you may be overcome with feelings of stress, anger, and guilt. The thought of taking on an entity like a nursing home or assisted care facility can sound overwhelming, but you do not have to do it alone.
One of our experienced Yardley nursing home abuse attorneys can help you hold the people that harmed your loved one financially accountable. Stark & Stark will fight for your family and potentially reclaim compensation for damages your loved one incurred.
Contact Our Yardley Nursing Home Abuse Attorneys Today
Our Yardley nursing home abuse attorneys have helped many Pennsylvania families recover after traumatic situations like yours. Our team of skilled personal injury attorneys in Yardley, Pennsylvania can help thoroughly investigate the circumstances of your case, and coordinate with witnesses and experts to obtain evidence in support of your case.
When it comes to nursing home abuse and neglect cases, time can be of the essence. If you fear a loved one has been the victim of nursing home abuse, contact our compassionate nursing home abuse and neglect lawyers for a free legal consultation.
