Nursing Home Abuse

Abuse and neglect in nursing home and elderly care facilities is an increasing problem across the U.S. Studies conducted recently estimated that anywhere from one to two million Americans ages 65 years or older have been neglected, exploited, or otherwise mistreated by someone whom they depend on for care and protection, but investigators have determined that only one in 14 of such incidents are reported to authorities.

With a large percentage of older adults residing in an elderly care facility, it is important that families and those close to the person under the care of a facility are aware of the different types of nursing home abuse that can occur. To ensure your elderly loved one is receiving quality care, here is more information on the different kinds of nursing home abuse:

1. Sexual abuse – A very unpleasant thing to think about, but any sexual activity that is done without the consent of the resident and to sexually satisfy the perpetrator is considered sexual abuse. Examples include inappropriate touching or fondling.
2. Physical abuse – Many nursing home residents are physically abused by those who are supposed to be caring for them. Any physical action, such as slapping or hitting, that causes physical hurt and pain to the patient is physical abuse. Signs include: black eyes, bruising, broken bones, and cuts or scratches.
3. Emotional and mental abuse – Any verbal or physical act that results in emotional anguish, pain, or psychological disturbances falls under this category. Examples include a staff member threatening, intimidating, or insulting a resident. Emotional abuse is very serious and may be hard to detect.
4. Neglect – Nursing home neglect in Tennessee can come in many forms, such as residents not being provided with clean surroundings, not maintaining proper hygiene or sanitation, and deprivation of food, water, or even medication. All results of neglect are directly the fault of nursing home staff.

Legally and ethically, it is the responsibility of the nursing home or elderly care facility staff to provide excellent care to its residents and not abuse them in any manner. If you feel an elderly loved one has been the victim of abuse, the nursing home abuse lawyers in Chattanooga of Massey & Associates, P.C. will work to hold any negligent parties responsible for the harm they have caused. To speak with a member of our law team, please call (423) 697-4529.

Up to 40 percent of the nursing home residents who seek emergency-room treatment have injuries that could have been prevented, according to a recently-released study from the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS).

The 2010 study, which analyzes data from the National Nursing Home survey completed in 2004, found that approximately eight percent of nursing homes have taken a resident to an emergency room within the past 90 days. Of these visits, up to 40 percent were for conditions that the nursing home staff could likely have prevented, according to NCHS. Common preventable conditions included bruises or fractures from falls, skin conditions, gastrointestinal complaints, pneumonia, and urinary tract infections. Of these, injuries due to falls were the number-one reason for an ER visit that could have been prevented.

Approximately 110 million Americans currently live in nursing homes. Many have medical conditions that require special care or are recovering from an injury, illness, or surgery. Most take at least one medication, and many take several different medications each day. Many need help with basic life activities, like bathing, dressing, and eating. Since the purpose of nursing homes is to provide the extra care that a person can no longer reasonably receive at home, it’s important for nursing home staff to be well-trained and ready to handle a wide range of medical issues, including prevention of injury and illness.

If you or someone you love has suffered abuse or neglect while in a nursing home, contact the experienced nursing home abuse attorneys in Chattanooga at Massey & Associates, P.C. We will examine your case carefully and help you fight for the compensation you need from negligent parties. To learn more, call Massey & Associates, P.C. today at 423-697-4529.