Nursing home elder abuse and the legal steps you can take
Knowing that your loved ones or someone you know who is in a nursing home is being abused is distressing and stressful. You likely feel a mix of heartbreak and anger, especially when it is done by a nursing home you trusted. Sadly, elder abuse happens more often than many people think.
Phoenix is the cultural center of Arizona and the capital and largest city in the Southwestern U.S., known for its sunny climate and spectacular desert landscapes. The city is renowned for its outdoor adventure, high culture, and relaxing resorts. Phoenix nursing homes are not free from elder abuse. Understanding the signs of abuse, knowing your legal rights, and taking prior action can help protect your loved one and prevent future harm.
If you think your loved one is being abused in a nursing home, consulting a Phoenix elder abuse attorney can be a crucial first step toward accountability and justice.
What is nursing home elder abuse?
Nursing home elder abuse refers to any action, or failure to act, that causes injury or distress to an elderly resident, someone you know. Elder abuse can happen in various forms and is often hidden behind closed doors in a nursing home in Phoenix, making it hard to detect right away.
Common types of nursing home elder abuse in Phoenix include:
- Hitting, pushing, improper restraint, or unexplained injuries are considered the physical signs of abuse in nursing homes for the elderly.
- Emotional abuse in nursing homes includes yelling at, threatening, causing emotional distress to, humiliating, or isolating elderly residents.
- Neglecting and rejecting the elder’s concerns are also considered abuse in nursing homes. Failure to provide food, hygiene, medication, or medical care.
- Theft, fraud, or misuse of a resident’s money or property constitutes financial abuse.
- Any non-consensual sexual contact is happening
Warning signs should not be ignored
Some common warning signs that are experienced by the elders in Phoenix’s nursing home include:
- Sudden weight loss or dehydration indicates a physical change.
- Bedsores or untreated medical issues
- Unexplained bruises, cuts, or fractures
- Changes in mood, fearfulness, or withdrawal
- Poor hygiene or dirty living conditions
If something feels wrong, it usually is. Trust your instincts and take concerns seriously.
Legal steps you can take if you suspect abuse
If you believe a loved one or someone you know is being abused or neglected, acting rapidly can make a profound change. Below are clear steps families can take to protect their loved ones and preserve their legal rights.
- Make sure of immediate safety if your loved one is in danger; move them from the situation if possible, or seek emergency medical care right away.
- You should document everything related to wrongdoings and misdeeds for the elders in Phoenix’s nursing home. Take photos of injuries, living conditions, and any visible signs of neglect. Keep notes of dates, conversations, and observations.
- Report the abuse by filing a complaint about the nursing home to the Phoenix nursing home administration and report the issue to state agencies that oversee long-term care facilities.
- Seek a medical evaluation for your loved one to be examined by an independent medical professional to document injuries or health issues.
- Speak with an elder abuse attorney, and they will explain your legal options, gather evidence, and help determine whether a lawsuit is appropriate.
Key takeaways
- Phoenix nursing home elder abuse can take multiple forms, including neglecting the elder’s concerns, physical harm, and emotional mistreatment.
- Families of elders who are in the nursing home in Phoenix should observe for warning signs and trust their instincts when something feels worse.
- Taking a prominent legal step with the help of an experienced law firm that can protect your loved one and preserve important evidence.
- Working with a qualified Phoenix elder abuse attorney can help hold negligent facilities accountable and bring peace of mind.
