Beaumont Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer

When people get older, they are often no longer able to care for themselves. They might need mobility assistance, or they might have experienced a cognitive decline that makes it unsafe for them to live independently. Many times, the best option is to move to a nursing home where a senior citizen or person experiencing physical or mental challenges can get the specialized care they need. However, not all nursing homes consistently provide the care that residents and their families expect and deserve.

If an individual believes a loved one has experienced harm while living at a nursing home, they should discuss their legal options with a Beaumont nursing home abuse lawyer. Our caring personal injury attorneys know how to handle these types of situations.

Possible Signs of Nursing Home or Elder Abuse

Unfortunately, nursing home residents are not immune to experiencing harm. However, many residents are unable to report the abuse they endure due to cognitive or speech impairments. Even if they remember the abuse and are able to articulate precisely what happened, they might be unwilling to report it for fear of suffering retaliation. When residents do not speak up about the abuse, their family members must search for signs or symptoms to uncover the details of what occurred.

Some of the most common signs of elder neglect and abuse are as follows:

• Unexplained bleeding, cuts, bruises, or other new injuries
• Evidence of repeated falls
• When a resident is allowed to leave the premises unattended
• Bedsores, indicating that the resident has not moved enough
• Sudden changes in a resident’s behavior or personality, such as when a resident becomes angry, antisocial, fearful, or withdrawn
• Increased agitation about family members leaving at the end of a visit
• Poor hygiene, such as unwashed clothing or uncombed hair
• Infections
• Dehydration or weight loss
• Untreated illnesses

Another common red flag that can indicate elder abuse is when a facility limits or refuses access to visitors. If a family member is suspicious that a problem has occurred, they should reach out for guidance from a Beaumont attorney who has experience with nursing home injuries.

Types of Abuse Seniors Can Experience in a Residential Facility

People who live in nursing homes have the right to expect a certain standard of care. Facilities should provide appropriate medical treatment, physical assistance, and quality nutrition. Residents should also have access to socialization opportunities so they are not isolated. Nursing home abuse occurs when a person who lives in a residential assisted care facility experiences mistreatment or neglect.

Different types of abuse can occur in long-term care facilities.

Intentional Abuse

Sometimes, nursing home residents suffer intentional abuse at the hands of caregivers. These caregivers can physically abuse a resident by punching, pinching, kicking, hitting them, or placing them in unnecessary restraints. Staff members can also psychologically abuse a resident by berating, humiliating, or isolating them. Sexual abuse can also occur in nursing homes when a staff member subjects a resident to unwanted touching, groping, or intercourse.

Abuse by Neglect

Overworked, overtired, or stressed staff members can also harm a resident through neglect. If a caregiver does not give a resident the care they need, they could suffer an infection, lose weight, develop bedsores, or experience other ailments.

Financial Abuse

Caregivers can also take advantage of a resident financially, such as by using their credit card, forcing them to change their will, or taking money or checks out of their belongings.

Regardless of whether nursing home abuse was intentional or a result of neglect, a dedicated lawyer from Beaumont could help.

Work with a Beaumont Nursing Home Abuse Attorney

When people get older, they still deserve to receive respect, especially from their trusted caregivers. If one suspects their loved one experienced harm while living in a residential care facility, they should consult with a skilled Beaumont nursing home abuse lawyer who might be able to help them obtain justice. Call us now for a free consultation.