It’s natural to be wary of moving a loved one into a nursing home, especially if you’ve heard stories about abuse and neglect. As long as you perform due diligence when selecting a facility, though, it may be possible to keep your aging relative safe. It is also wise to familiarize yourself with nursing home abuse in general. Here are the answers to a few questions that personal injury attorneys are often asked on the subject. 

Nursing Home Abuse FAQ

What causes nursing home abuse?

Nursing home residents might experience neglect or abuse for a number of reasons. One of the most common causes is understaffing. When a facility does not have enough providers, some patients will inevitably go without adequate care. Additionally, those who are on the schedule are likely to be overworked and therefore stressed out, making them prone to making mistakes.

What are the different kinds of nursing home abuse?

There most common types of abuse that occur in long-term care facilities are physical, sexual, emotional, and financial abuse. Neglect is also fairly common and can cause just as much damage as outright abuse. 

What are the signs of nursing home abuse?

If your loved one is being abused physically or sexually, they may have visible bruises, lacerations, or other injuries. Signs of emotional abuse, on the other hand, include depression, isolation, and dramatic changes in mood or personality. Any strange transactions could be indicative of financial abuse, while malnourishment, dehydration, and bedsores are common among victims of neglect. 

What should I do if I suspect nursing home abuse?

As soon as you recognize any signs of nursing home abuse, call a personal injury lawyer. A seasoned attorney can help you determine how to ensure the victim’s safety while the investigation is pending. Then, depending on the results of the investigation, your lawyer may be able to help you bring a suit against the facility. 

If you suspect a relative has been the victim of nursing home abuse, get in touch with the compassionate personal injury attorneys at Neimark & Neimark. Practicing out of their office in New City, NY, this firm is proud to represent injured and ill clients throughout Orange and Rockland counties. When you need legal advice, you can count on them day or night because they answer the phone 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. To reach out to a personal injury lawyer on their team, call (888) 725-7424 or complete the form online.