Due to the growth of America’s aging population, many older adults must enter nursing homes or assisted living facilities in order to continue living functional lives. However, many are also concerned about nursing home neglect and elder abuse in many of these facilities.

If you have been the victim of or suspect your loved one is suffering from nursing home neglect or elder abuse, you may benefit from speaking with a nursing home lawyer.

What is Nursing Home Neglect?

A nursing home lawyer can help determine if an elderly person has been neglected in his or her nursing home or assisted living facility. It is estimated that as many as 5 million older adults are exploited, abused or neglected in the United States each year. Additionally, many believe that almost 85 percent of these cases are never reported.

A nursing home lawyer can help that individual and his or her family get justice and possibly legal compensation for the elder abuse suffered.

Skilled nursing facilities, nursing homes and assisted living facilities are filled with older Americans who need help from staff complete daily tasks and in many cases, staff who are responsible for the health and daily care of the residents or patients.

However, elder abuse and nursing home neglect is more common than many think.

Nursing home neglect and elder abuse can take many forms. Physical abuse is when pain or injury is inflicted on a resident or vulnerable adult. This also refers to denying someone of a basic need.

Neglect is the failure or refusal to provide food, shelter, health or protection for a nursing home resident. There are signs to look for in determining if a resident is suffering from nursing home neglect. These can include bed or pressure sores, fractures from falls, malnutrition or dehydration, and chronic infections like urinary tract infections.

Elders can also suffer from sexual abuse in nursing homes or assisted living facilities. If a vulnerable adult engages in non-consensual sexual contact or is coerced to witness sexual behaviors, this is considered sexual abuse.

Additionally, elders can suffer from abandonment in a nursing home or assisted living facility. If a vulnerable adult is deserted or care for that person was not provided, this may constitute abandonment. In the case of an emergency or natural disaster, elders must continued to be cared for. If a person is left behind in either of these cases, it is considered abandonment.

Getting Help from a Nursing Home Lawyer

If you suspect your loved one is being mistreated by their nursing home staff, a nursing home lawyer may be able to help. There are signs to look for in determining if your elder is being neglected or abused. These include

• pressure or bed sores
• bruises, especially around the genitals or breasts
• broken bones or abrasions
• poor hygeiene
• unattended medical needs
• unexplained weight loss
• frequent arguments or bad relationships with nursing home staff.

If you witness any of these signs of nursing home neglect or elder abuse in a loved one, speaking with a nursing home lawyer can help you and your elder get financially compensated for damages.