Arvada Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer
Placing your loved one in a nursing home can be a tough decision. These individuals are vulnerable and must rely on these facilities for essential care. The last thing you would expect or wish for your loved one is mistreatment at the hands of their caregivers.
Nursing home abuse can range from emotional manipulation to physical assault. These effects on the victims can be long-lasting, leading to psychological trauma and physical ailments.
When you believe that your loved one is the victim of nursing home abuse, it is crucial to take immediate steps to end it. An Arvada nursing home abuse lawyer could help you navigate the justice system and explore legal remedies. Contact our law office today to meet with a compassionate personal injury attorney.
Types of Nursing Home Abuse
Nursing home abuse is not just limited to physical harm. It can include emotional, sexual, and financial abuse, as well as neglect. Many senior victims will experience multiple types of mistreatment.
Physical Abuse
Physical abuse involves any intentional act resulting in physical harm to the resident. Examples include:
- Shoving
- Pushing
- Hitting
- Slapping
- Improper restraint
- Kicking
Physical abuse is not always overt. For example, roughly handling a resident, such as intentionally pulling hair when taking care of hygiene, rough transfers from beds or wheelchairs, and even pinching someone during routine movements, can be categorized as mistreatment.
Emotional Abuse
Emotional abuse—also known as psychological or mental mistreatment—is more subtle than physical. It can include actions such as:
- Verbal threats
- Ridicule and belittling
- Isolation
- Intimidation
- Withholding comfort
The most vulnerable people, such as those with cognitive decline or dementia, maybe at the most significant risk. They are also the least likely to report the abuse. Family members should watch how residents respond to different staff members and investigate any signs of uneasiness or fear.
Sexual Abuse
Sexual abuse in nursing homes is more common than people realize. Staff members or other residents may engage in non-consensual sexual behavior or contact with residents. This can include everything from sexual harassment to assault.
The stigma surrounding sexual behavior can keep many residents from reporting the behavior. Some signs to look for in your loved one include rips and tears in clothing, injuries in private areas, STDs, and emotional withdrawal.
Financial Abuse
Financial abuse is another type of mistreatment. Staff members may steal property or money from residents or pressure them to give access to financial accounts, power of attorney, or change their wills. Loved ones need to monitor bank accounts and other financial matters once a family member enters an assisted living facility.
Neglect
Negligence may be the most common type of nursing home abuse. Neglect occurs when the staff withholds any essential care items they are supposed to provide, including food, hydration, medical attention, or hygiene.
Neglect can be intentional or the unintentional result of an understaffed facility. Regardless, prolonged neglect can lead to serious health complications and leave the victims vulnerable to illnesses.
If any of the above signs sound familiar, consider speaking with an Arvada nursing home abuse attorney today.
What to do When You Suspect Nursing Home Abuse
Determining the right way to respond to nursing home abuse can be challenging. A nursing home abuse lawyer in Arvada could help loved ones determine the correct pathway for a particular situation.
Generally, loved ones should take the following steps to document and end nursing home abuse.
- Document evidence
- Report abuse to Adult Protective Services (APS) and the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE)
- Seek medical attention
- Report the abuse to the facility
- Move the resident if necessary
Stopping abuse is essential to protect a loved one, but it may not be enough to protect other vulnerable people from similar abuse. That is why families should consider bringing a lawsuit for damages.
Talk to an Arvada Nursing Home Abuse Attorney
Nursing home abuse can be devastating to victims and their families. In addition to feeling vulnerable, people may feel a duty to prevent the mistreatment from happening to others.
An Arvada nursing home abuse lawyer could help you explore your remedies. In addition to reporting the abuse and relocating the resident, families may want to bring a lawsuit. To learn more about your legal options, call our office today.
