The Impact of Nursing Home Abuse on Elderly Residents: Seeking Justice and Compensation
According to NCOA, up to five million older Americans are mistreated, abused, or taken advantage of every year. Nursing home abuse and neglect can take many forms, including physical, emotional, sexual, and financial abuse. So, if you believe a loved one has been the victim of nursing home abuse, it’s important to contact nursing home attorneys who can help you immediately.
It can be difficult to spot the indicators of such mistreatment because they may be undetectable or inconspicuous. Family members and friends must be watchful in their observations and interactions with their loved ones in long-term care.
When an older person is physically mistreated, it takes an immediate toll on their body and health. These effects are often visible (including lacerations, broken bones, bruises, sexual abuse, and more), so if you detect these types of injuries, they should be reported and documented as soon as possible. Though some of these injuries appear minor, they can lead to serious health concerns for the patients if repeated.
When a nursing home resident begins to behave strangely or differently, or when you see dramatic personality changes, this could be related to emotional abuse. Residents of nursing homes are already at a greater risk of depression and other disorders if they feel isolated or less autonomous. This can give way to emotions of loneliness and grief, resulting in potentially serious psychological consequences. They may also experience long-term mental health issues such as sadness, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
While financial abuse may not involve physical violence, it can be just as harmful as other nursing home abuse. Not only can it cause great anxiety, but it can also mean that residents are cheated out of the funds required to pay for long-term care. It usually happens when someone steals or manipulates money from an older adult.
Simply put, nursing home abuse is a cruel and unforgivable crime. It should be handled and reported immediately to prevent further injury. At Reinan Law, our team of Colorado nursing home abuse lawyers has extensive expertise in advising you on the next measures to take.
We provide legal services for your family members experiencing neglect, abuse, or wrongful death in nursing homes. Contact us today to seek justice if your loved one suffers from elder abuse.
