Is your loved one a victim of elder abuse?
When your Texas family places a loved one in a nursing home or residential care facility, it is with the expectation that he or she will receive adequate care and treatment. Unfortunately, some facilities and care providers violate this trust, and your loved one may be the victim of one or more types of elder abuse. If you suspect that this is happening, you will find it beneficial to secure medical and legal assistance as soon as possible.
What are the signs of elder abuse?
It can be difficult to definitively prove that some
type of mistreatment is occurring in a nursing home or care facility. Your loved one may not speak out due to fear, embarrassment or uncertainty, but there are certain signs that could point to a problem, including:
- Dehydration
- Becoming withdrawn
- Depression
- Bruises and fractures from slip-and-fall incidents
- Complications from improperly administered medications
If you notice any signs of negligent care or any type of abuse, you and your family have the right to take action on behalf of your loved one. Elder abuse or neglect of any kind is reprehensible, and liable parties can be held accountable for any damages.
Types of elder abuse
Many people associate abuse with physical harm, but that is not always the case. Sometimes, elder abuse comes in various forms, and the ways that this can affect your loved one include:
- Emotional abuse
- Psychological abuse
- Physical abuse
- Financial abuse
- Neglect or abandonment
From poor hygiene to other strange symptoms, signs of abuse could indicate the necessity of a complete investigation in order to find out what happened. Abuse in nursing homes is not always a result of maliciousness or ill-intent but could be caused by:
- Understaffing
- Overpopulation
- Untrained staff
- Negligent security
Nursing homes and their parent companies can be liable for any emotional, physical or psychological trauma suffered by a patient.
The recovery your loved one deserves
It is frustrating and disheartening to learn that your loved one experienced any type of mistreatment at a nursing home. You may feel enraged and overwhelmed, but you do not have to handle this on your own. By securing the help of an experienced attorney, you can advocate for the rights of your loved one and fight for the compensation he or she deserves. With the right support, you can hold liable parties accountable for any type of elder abuse.