Growing up, we were all told to listen to our elders. Then, a shift occurs where we need to make important decisions on their behalf. At that point, we need to decide if placing an elderly loved one in a nursing home or assisted living facility is the right thing to do. Not to mention, no one can ever predict when or where nursing home abuse could happen.
Beyond physical care, there are many other aspects of life where we unintentionally put our loved ones of risk of being taken advantage of. Furthermore, when our parents or grandparents become older, they become targets for ID theft, home repair fraud, financial exploitation. Consequently, we try to protect them. By putting them a nursing care facility, we assume they will receive the care and protection necessary.
In addition, we would like to think that the facility would attend to their day-to-day living needs. As we trust that their care will be provided at the same high-level of care we give. Unfortunately, that is not always the case. Again, abuse and neglect is happening more and more frequently, especially in South Florida. As a result, the amount of abuse that is occurring in these care facilities is horrible and illegal.
Of course, there are many factors that can play into the HOW nursing home abuse could possibly happen. Again, the most important things to realize are the various signs of nursing home abuse.
Your loved ones have legal rights if you suspect Nursing Home Abuse.
COMMON SIGNS OF PHYSICAL ABUSE OF THE ELDERY:
- Unexplained Bruises and injuries
- Bloody or messy clothing
- Dirty bed linens
- Unsanitary living conditions
- Malnourishment/dehydration
- Medications not being administered properly
- Medications being stolen
EMOTION ABUSE SIGNS MAY INCLUDE:
- Intimidation
- Humiliation
- Ignoring the patient
- Isolation of the patient from other residents
- Preventing group activities
- Terrorizing
- Mocking or making fun of the patient
SEXUAL ABUSE SIGNS MAY INCLUDE:
- Contraction of a venereal disease
- Bloody underwear
- Bruising/bleeding around private areas
FINANCIAL ABUSE SIGNS MAY INCLUDE:
- Stealing elder’s cash, checks or credit cards
- Identity Theft
- Forged documents
- Unauthorized transfers of money
- Fake contesting or prizing for shady opportunities
As shown above, if your loved one has shown any of the signs caused by nursing home abuse, you may have a valid legal case. Now, you need to take action! Next, be sure to schedule a free case evaluation with The Law Offices of Joseph Dawson to review the details and take action. As they will help direct you on the next steps.
In fact, The Law Offices of Joseph Dawson are committed to representing nursing home abuse cases with sensitivity and respect. Therefore, you can trust our lawyers will represent your family during this very difficult time.
Take action now!
If you suspect your loved one is being neglected by their care taker, the first step is to report it. Call the Florida Abuse Hotline at 1-800-96-ABUSE (1-800-962-2873). Press 1 to report suspected abuse, neglect or exploitation of the elderly or a vulnerable adult. This toll free number is available 24/7.
Also, visit The Elder Affairs of Florida Site for more information about how this department in Florida ensures the safety and well-being of the elders in Florida.
In addition, be sure to check out the section about how to prevent Elder Abuse, whether it is physical, emotional, or financial abuse. Furthermore, by increasing awareness of nursing home abuse through education and strategies for communicating with individuals who have Alzheimer’s Disease or other Related Dementias. As a result, the program provides information on the signs, symptoms and prevention of elder abuse, neglect and exploitation. Last, it also goes into detail on how to report suspected abuse.
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