One of the causes of nursing home abuse occurs when a facility experiences staffing shortages. When this happens, not enough workers are available to service the workload, and as a result, staff members may take shortcuts, forget to perform crucial tasks, and make mistakes. The overall standard of care begins to drop, leading to neglect and abuse. Proper staffing levels are essential to ensuring that residents receive the care they need and deserve.
Is your loved one the victim of nursing home abuse or neglect? If so, our Charleston nursing home abuse attorneys at Crantford Meehan are here to help. The heartbreaking reality is that nursing home abuse and neglect is becoming more common, and your loved one is more susceptible to abuse when they are on their own in a facility than when their family surrounds them.
Whether you suspect that your loved one has been abused by a fellow elder or neglected by a nursing home staff member, our attorneys can help you and your family recover the damages you are entitled to.
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Overview of Nursing Home Abuse in Charleston
Nursing home abuse is a growing problem, and far too many elderly residents suffer from neglect or mistreatment in facilities that are supposed to provide care and support. This abuse can take many forms, including physical, emotional, sexual abuse, and financial exploitation. In some cases, neglect or inadequate care leads to serious health problems, such as malnutrition, dehydration, and even death. Families who entrust their loved ones to nursing homes expect a safe environment, but unfortunately, these facilities are not always equipped to provide the care they need. If you suspect that your loved one is a victim of abuse or neglect, you have the right to seek justice and compensation for the harm they have suffered.
Signs of Nursing Home Abuse
There are many signs that your loved one may be suffering from abuse or neglect. It’s important to always be on the lookout for these signs because often, the abuser may be bullying them into silence or threatening them with violence if they speak out. Some of the tell-tale signs of abuse include:
- Bed sores: Also known as pressure ulcers, these are often caused by prolonged periods of immobility and neglect.
- Dehydration: Lack of hydration can lead to serious health issues and can be a sign of neglect.
- Malnutrition: Elderly residents may suffer from malnutrition if they are not receiving proper nutrition, which can be a result of neglect or poor care.
- Physical injuries: Scars, bruises, broken bones, or other signs of physical harm that cannot be adequately explained.
- Slip-and-fall accidents: While falls are common, repeated or unexplained falls may indicate neglect or improper care.
- Wandering from the nursing home: Lack of supervision can lead to wandering, putting residents in danger of injury or becoming lost.
- Sudden, unanticipated death: Unexpected death in a nursing home can sometimes be a result of abuse or neglect.
