Fishers Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer
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 those professionals you entrust your loved one’s care to will treat them with the respect and professionalism they deserve. However, even the best nursing homes are not immune from episodes of abuse and neglect. If you believe you or a loved one is the victim of abuse, contact a Fishers nursing home abuse lawyer who can help.
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 of our most vulnerable society members. Most residents in a nursing home need assistance and cannot take care of themselves. Some of them may not be able to communicate either. Unfortunately, some nursing homes prey on the vulnerable and take advantage of the residents living there.
Don’t let these nursing homes get away with abusing your loved one. If you have concerns about possible neglect and/or abuse going on, it’s unlikely to be an isolated incident. You need to hold them accountable, which can save someone else’s family from going through the same pain.
Even the best nursing homes that have the highest ratings could have abuse going on, which is why you should keep a close watch on any family member who is a nursing home. Unfortunately, nursing homes are prone to high turnover, and workers typically dislike their work. Unhappy employees are not usually motivated to do the best job, leading to nursing home neglect at a minimum.
Signs of Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect
When you visit your loved one, look for signs of abuse or 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:
- 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 there is going on, don’t stay quiet. Please speak with our Fishers nursing home abuse lawyers right away to discuss how to proceed. Contact Keffer Hirschauer LLP today to schedule an initial consultation.