Nursing Home Abuse FAQs
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Phoenix Nursing Home Abuse Attorneys
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some signs of nursing home abuse?
- Bruises (particularly when they appear in patterns)
- Bedsores
- Burns
- Mental or physical effects associated with missed doses of medications
- Bleeding
- Broken bones
- Sprains
- Cuts and puncture wounds
- Self-reporting of abuse
My elderly relative in a nursing home suffers from late stage Alzheimer’s disease. Can I trust his or her personal report of abuse at the facility?
In any case when an elderly person reports abuse or neglect, it is important to investigate. If a senior citizen reports that they are being abused, they should not be ignored. Just because a person may no longer able to clearly describe what happens around them does not mean that all their statements should be disregarded. There may be unbiased proof that either confirms or refutes the complaints of abuse. As personal injury lawyers who have had experience with nursing home abuse cases we understand that the statements of many patients in the later stages of dementia often lack reliability. Yet it is always best to study the situation to ensure that any allegations are false. There are clear signs and symptoms of abuse or neglect, so it is best for your loved one’s safety not to automatically assume that his or her claims are baseless.
What are some common forms of nursing home abuse in Arizona?
- Failing to keep elderly patents clean or to otherwise neglect a patient’s hygiene.
- Not administering a proper diet.
- The failure to give medications regularly and in the proper doses.
- Restraint of elderly patients through the use of physical devices, such as strapping him or her to a bed.
- Administering sedatives to patients for the pure benefit of nursing home staff.
- Administering medications such as sedatives in order to mentally incapacitate a patient to enable less work for the nursing home staff.
- Not providing adequate stimulation, such as games, television, etc.
- Not allowing adequate companionship, such as limiting visiting between patients or by relatives.
What are some signs that a nursing home may potentially be abusive?
Even if just anecdotal, any reports of mistreatment, misconduct, or abuse at a long term care facility should be seen as warning signs. Along with such circumstantial evidence, other things such as building maintenance and the attitudes of the staff can also indicate that abuse may be taking place. Encountering a rude, uncooperative, or apathetic staff member does not necessarily mean that abuse or elder neglect is taking place, but it is certainly a sign that it may be.
How can I get legal help for an elder adult whom I believe may have been or is being abused?
At Breyer Law Offices, our personal injury attorneys are happy to discuss your legal options. We understand your concern for your loved ones, and will offer a free, non-obligatory consultation so that we can help you evaluate your claim of nursing home abuse or neglect. We invite you to investigate Breyer Law further on this site, or by calling our offices at (602) 978-6400.
