Nursing home neglect and abuse are genuine problems across the country. When your loved ones are no longer able to take care of themselves, you may need to move them to a nursing home. You expect the staff members and professionals you entrust with your loved one’s care to treat them with the respect and professionalism they deserve. However, even the best care facilities are not immune from episodes of nursing home abuse, emotional abuse, or neglect. If you believe you or a loved one is a victim of nursing home abuse or neglect, contact a Fishers nursing home abuse lawyer who can help pursue legal action.
Hold Indiana Nursing Homes Accountable for Their Actions
There are laws in place that hold nursing homes to a high legal standard because they are responsible for the health and well-being of nursing home residents—our most vulnerable society members. These laws specifically target the prevention of experienced nursing home abuse and neglect, medical malpractice, and elder abuse. Most residents in a nursing home need assistance and cannot take care of themselves, and some may not be able to communicate their needs. Unfortunately, some care facilities prey on vulnerable residents, leading to scenarios where nursing home negligence, medical errors, and elder abuse occur alongside neglect.
Don’t let these care facilities get away with abusing your loved one. If you have concerns about possible neglect or abuse—including nursing home abuse and neglect, emotional abuse, medical errors, or elder abuse—it’s unlikely to be an isolated incident. Legal action may be necessary, which can hold the facility accountable and protect other nursing home residents from experiencing similar pain.
Even highly rated nursing homes could have abuse, medical malpractice, or emotional abuse occurring behind the scenes. High staff member turnover and unhappy employees can exacerbate the challenges faced by victims of nursing home abuse and neglect. Unmotivated staff members are less likely to provide proper care, increasing the risk of nursing home negligence.
Signs of Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect
When you visit your loved one, look for signs of abuse or neglect, including physical abuse, which is one of the types of nursing home abuse and neglect. Some victims are afraid of disclosing the abuse for fear that things will get worse. Those patients who cannot advocate for themselves have no way of exposing any wrongdoing. It’s up to family members to protect the patient. Look for potential red flags that can point to abuse, such as physical injuries or changes in behavior that may indicate not only physical abuse but also other types of nursing home abuse and neglect. Being vigilant about these signs is crucial in safeguarding the well-being of your loved ones in nursing homes. Look for potential red flags that can point to abuse, such as:
- Bedsores,
- Malnutrition or dehydration,
- Hidden or unexplained injuries,
- Cuts, burns, abrasions, or other wounds,
- Unsanitary environment,
- Withdrawal,
- Depression,
- Welts and bruising,
- Unkempt appearance,
- Unexplained weight loss,
- Refusal to communicate,
- Unjustified isolation,
- Fear or agitation,
- Smells of urine or feces, and
- Broken bones.
Listen to how the staff talks to your family member and other residents in the home. You can learn a lot by just paying attention to conversations around you. Is the staff rude, or do they make derogatory comments about other patients? What does your loved one’s room look like? Is it clean and the trash emptied regularly?
Contact a Fishers Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer
It’s no secret that Indiana has been ranked poorly over the years when it comes to nursing home care and staffing. If you suspect abuse or neglect is going on, don’t stay quiet. Please speak with our Fishers nursing home abuse lawyers right away to discuss how to proceed. As a specialized law firm with experienced nursing home abuse attorneys, Keffer Hirschauer LLP is dedicated to advocating for the rights of the elderly and vulnerable in nursing homes. Contact our law firm today to schedule an initial consultation with a nursing home abuse attorney who can guide you through the steps to ensure justice and protection for your loved one.