If you have a loved one in a nursing home and suspect they are being abused or neglected you may have several questions. Our Philadelphia nursing home abuse attorney has compiled a list of the most asked questions.
What is nursing home abuse?
One of the first questions you may be asking yourself is what nursing home abuse consists of. In general nursing home abuse is any action or inaction that causes intentional or unintentional harm to a patient. This often leaves them with trauma, injury, distress, in a medical emergency, or even in death. Often, abuse is present due to improper training, burnout, understaffing, or plain cruelty. Some of the most common types of neglect and abuse include:
- Assault and battery
- Sexual assault
- Medication errors
- Lack of healthcare
- Malnutrition from not being provided food or water
- Seclusion or isolation
- Unauthorized restraints
You should contact a Philadelphia nursing home abuse attorney to discuss your options.
What are the signs of abuse and neglect?
There are a variety of signs to look for when it comes to the abuse or neglect of a loved one living in a nursing home. These are the most common symptoms that abuse or neglect may be present:
- Dehydration
- Malnutrition
- Bedsore, ulcers, wounds, other sores
- Asphyxia
- Infections caused in the facility
- Wandering away from the facility
- Fall injuries
- Bruises, cuts, wounds, welts
- Weight fluctuations such as unexpected loss or gains
- The patient being emotional upset
- Patient being scared to speak in front of certain individuals
- Unclean or unsanitary conditions
- Wanting to be isolated from others
- Withdrawal
What should I do if I suspect nursing home abuse?
The first thing you should do is collect evidence of the abuse or neglect. You should then speak to the resident advocate. If immediate attention is necessary you will need to call 911. If this is not a case that requires immediate medical attention, talk to your loved one about the alleged abuse and speak to a Philadelphia nursing home abuse attorney. You will then need to file a complaint with the state agency. You will need to ensure the patient’s safety and this may mean that you find them a new nursing home.
Should I immediately move my loved one?
There are certain cases of abuse or neglect that will require you to move your loved one from their current facility. Some of these include:
- The nursing home uses abuse to transfer or removes the patient from the facility illegally
- The nursing home staff provides disruptive care to the patient or is unable to provide proper care to your loved one
- Your loved one is being neglected for their specific health condition.
What if I am not looking to obtain compensation, should I still sue the nursing home?
While your first priority is the safety and security of your loved one, seeking compensation is one of the few ways to truly make these corporations enact change. You may think that they are hurt by online reviews and lengthy letters sent to corporations. At the end of the day, the one true thing that these corporations focus on is profitability.
In many cases, where the corporation loses money they will enact changes such as policy changes and facility closures. They will also fire negligent parties and implement stricter hiring parameters. So while you do not care for the money, these places do and this may be the only way to get justice for your loved one. You will need the assistance of a Philadelphia nursing home abuse attorney to help you and your family determine the best legal route.
Call Kwartler Manus today in Philadelphia
If you suspect your loved one is being abused or neglected in their nursing home you must take action immediately. You will need to schedule a consultation with a Philadelphia nursing home abuse attorney from Kwartler Manus LLC by calling our office at (267) 457-5570 today.