Nursing home resident left alone in a dark room for hours
We have all heard the horror stories of nursing home residents suffering from various abuses ranging from infections and bed sores to falls and even physical violence. But we don’t want to think this type of thing can ever happen to our own loved ones. This is the 21st century; we shouldn’t have to worry that patients in nursing homes will be treated with cruelty or neglect. Unfortunately, such instances not only still happen in our country, but they happen alarmingly often. About 30 percent of the nation’s nursing homes have been cited for some type of abuse, which include physical, verbal and even sexual incidents, according to ABC News. This is, of course, not how we want our loved ones to spend their final years.
The Pennsylvania Health Care Association reports that our state is fourth in the nation for the amount of people needing intensive nursing home care. About 70 percent of those currently 65 years or older will need some type of long-term assistance in their lifetime because of a physical or mental impairment. A significant portion of these people may be at risk of being abused by the staff that we entrust to their care.
Nursing home residents at risk of physical abuse or mental distress
While some of the more shocking reports of abuse happening in nursing homes includes staff members or other residents physically attacking their patients – often causing bruises, broken bones, lacerations or infections – other instances may be more difficult to detect. An oversight by a nursing aide can result in a fall, or a patient wandering off and becoming lost or hurt. And in many cases, nursing home staff will verbally berate residents or ignore their basic needs, resulting in mental anguish, dehydration, malnutrition and unsanitary living conditions.
Last July, a member of the staff at a nursing home in Weatherly put a resident in a recreational room, turned off the lights and left her there alone for several hours, said Citizens Voice. This type of neglect shows how abuse can occur without leaving physical signs.
Because abuse can sometimes be hard to spot, HelpGuide provides this list of signs to watch out for when visiting your loved one:
- Unexplained changes in behavior, apparent distress when caregiver is around
- Unusual weight loss, signs of dehydration or malnutrition
- Soiled clothing and bedding, body odor
- Bruises, untreated bed sores
The National Center on Elder Abuse reports that nursing home residents who face abuse or neglect have a 300 percent higher chance of dying than residents who are well cared for. Additionally, abused or neglected patients suffer from increased anxiety and have more health care problems.
Getting help from an attorney
We want to see our family members treated with love and dignity in their final stage of life. Nobody deserves to be cared for in inhumane conditions. If your loved one has suffered an injury or psychological damage from abuse or neglect by a caregiver, contact a personal injury attorney with experience in nursing home abuse. You may be eligible for the compensation of your medical expenses, as well as the pain and suffering your family member endured.