Do You Know the Signs of Nursing Home Neglect?

Nursing home abuse & neglect is one of the most frequent types of elder mistreatment today. We all agree, there is nothing more disheartening to find out your loved one is one of the many that experience it everyday.

Making the decision to place your loved one in a nursing home isn’t an easy one. But when it’s obvious they can no longer live alone safely, it can be the best option to be sure they get the care they need.

You expect the research you’ve put into finding the best fit for your loved one will ensure the facility will give them the best care possible. After all, you’ve placed your trust in them to do so. Unfortunately, all too often, our hopes are shattered when we find signs of abuse and neglect.

At Rice Law, we are dedicated to fighting for those clients and they’re loved ones who have experienced nursing home abuse or neglect. If you suspect your loved one isn’t being cared for properly, there are signs you can look for that include:

• Neglect – Is the facility failing to provide basic human needs such as proper nutrition, plenty of water, medical needs, a safe environment and taking care of mental and physical health.
• Emotional Abuse – Is your loved one fearful of staff? Are they withdrawn? Have they lost interest in usual activities? Are they depressed?
• Physical Abuse – Do you notice cuts, bruises, burns, or sprained or broken limbs? Does your loved one complain of pain or other injuries?
• Financial issues – Is there evidence of unexplained depletion of funds, bounced checks, cash withdrawals or unpaid bills?

It’s not easy to see that your loved one has been mistreated in any way, especially when you had placed them in a facility you trusted to care for them. However, it’s not something you can turn your back on either. These facilities and their staff need to be held to the highest standards of care and held accountable to you and the many other people they serve.

Who Can Be Held Responsible?

Both state and federal agencies place strict regulations on nursing homes which makes them legally responsible for acts of neglect, abuse, and negligence which means you have the right to report the suspected abuse/neglect to the proper authorities and seek monetary damages. Most often the blame falls on:

• Owners of facility
• Staff members
• Supervisors and management

Nursing Home Abuse or Neglect? You Have Rights!

In North Carolina, all residents of nursing homes are protected by the Nursing Home Reform Act, the Nursing Home Residents Bill of Rights, and Americans with Disabilities Act which all protect your loved one from the circumstances they may encounter while living in a nursing home.

If you suspect abuse, you may be able to file complaints with the Adult Protective Services office within the Department of Social Services and the Adult Care Licensure Section of the Division of Health Service Regulation.

In addition to government agencies who enforce state laws and regulatory requirements, our Firm may be able to assist you in addressing the harm caused to your loved one.

Let Us Help

The Wilmington abuse and neglect attorneys at Rice Law believe that nursing home abuse and neglect victims deserve to have an advocate they can depend on and someone who will stand up for their rights. We are here to offer a hands-on and dedicated approach to making sure you get the relief you deserve. Contact us to get started.