San Antonio Nursing Home Abuse Attorney
It is disheartening to consider that a loved one may be suffering abuse under the care of a nursing home. These establishments have an obligation to their residents that they don’t always fulfill. There are several forms of elder abuse.
- Physical abuse: the use of physical force, such as biting, hitting, pushing, shaking or burning, with the intent to harm.
- Emotional abuse: Use of tactics, such as insults, harassment, threats, or intimidation that causes mental anguish or isolation.
- Sexual abuse: Any nonconsensual sexual contact, such as inappropriate touching, rape or pornographic photography.
- Financial abuse: Unlawfully using the resident’s resources for personal use, by stealing, tricking or inappropriate use of government checks or power of attorney.
- Neglect: When a caregiver refuses to provide adequate care necessary to avoid physical or mental harm. Such as insufficient food, water, shelter and personal hygiene.
Because it is sometimes difficult for nursing home residents to convey abuse, it is important to observe any signs of abuse.
Signs of Physical or Sexual Abuse:
- Wounds, cuts, abrasions, burns in various stages of healing
- Bruises, welts, swelling, sprains
- Broken bones, inexplicable weight loss
- Bedsores or frozen joints
- Mysteriously concealed injuries
- Unwarranted physical or chemical restraints
- Specific complaints by residents
- Residents being kept in an over-medicated state
- Unexplained venereal disease or genital infections; vaginal or anal bleeding, torn, or bloodied undergarments.
- Staff’s refusal or delay in allowing visitors to see residents
- Staff not allowing visitor to be alone with resident
Signs of Mental or Financial Abuse:
· Anxiety, nervousness, hesitance
· Depression, alienation
· Abrupt behavioral fluctuations
· Unusual behavioral patterns
· Reluctant to interact
· Disoriented or confused
· Unwarranted isolation
· Rude, humiliating, degrading comments by staff
· Specific complaints by residents
· Large withdrawals from bank accounts or modification in banking practices
· Rapid changes in will or financial documents
· Loss of resident’s possessions
If there is suspected abuse involved, report any concerns to your state long term care ombudsman. Every state has an ombudsman willing to investigate and attend nursing home complaints.
Nursing homes have a responsibility to care for our loved ones. When that is compromised, our only option is to take action. You need a competent attorney on your side. If you suspect a nursing home of elder abuse, contact me today. Initial consultations are always free and confidential. If you live in the San Antonio area, call 210-227-1888.