Nursing Home Abuse
An unfortunate truth is that nursing home abuse continues to run rampant across the U.S. and happens every day in our country. This should not be tolerated; our elderly loved ones have rights when placed in a nursing home. Under New York law, nursing home and elder care facilities must “ensure that all residents are afforded their right to a dignified existence, self-determination, respect, full recognition of their individuality, consideration and privacy in treatment,” along with other specific rights regarding financial matters, clinical care, admissions and transfers to other facilities. (N.Y. Comp. codes R. & Rgs. tit. 10, §415.3).
The Incidence of Nursing Home Abuse is On the Rise
The number of residents who are abused or neglected continues to rise, and is largely due to the fact that nursing homes are being purchased by large, private companies that do not provide adequate training, staff and other resources. The abuse and neglect of our elderly loved ones in nursing homes should not be tolerated – there is just no excuse for it.
Recognize the Signs and Prevent Nursing Home Abuse
Recognizing the signs of nursing home abuse and/or neglect is the first step in preventing it. While most people tend to think of abuse as physical abuse, there are other forms including emotional, financial or simply being negligent. Nursing home abuse should be reported immediately, no matter what form it takes. Know the warning signs that could indicate that your loved one is being abused or neglected in a nursing home:
Physical Nursing Home Abuse
- Broken bones/lacerations
- Bedsores
- Unexplained or frequent falls
- Dehydration
- Loss of appetite and/or weight
- Bruises, cuts, broken skin and other wounds
Emotional Nursing Home Abuse
- Agitation or emotionally upset
- Refusing to communicate
- Becoming withdrawn
- Sudden behavioral changes
- Unusual behavior (rocking, biting, sucking)
- Self-abuse
Nursing Home Neglect
- Poor personal hygiene
- Unsanitary and unclean conditions
- Dirt, urine or fecal odors, soiled bed
- Bedsores and other red or dark skin discoloration
- Incorrect body position
- Medication withheld or not given when prescribed, or excess given
- Lack of assistance with bathing, eating and drinking
What Should You Do About Nursing Home Abuse?
Should you recognize any of the warning signs of abuse or neglect listed above, immediately make a formal complaint with the facility’s staff and maintain a record of the complaint for your own files. When your loved one mentions abuse or repeated neglect, shows signs of emotional abuse or you are suspicious that abuse or neglect is taking place, seek the guidance of a skilled New York nursing home abuse lawyer at The Law Office of Cohen & Jaffe.
Email us directly at jaffelaw1@aol.com or call us at 516-358-6900 for a free consultation to evaluate your legal options.
