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Nursing Home Abuse Attorneys

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Does nursing home abuse and neglect occur frequently?

Families that discover abuse or neglect are often amazed to learn just how prevalent mistreatment is in our country. What about regulations, training and background checks? Aren't their measures to prevent such horrible actions? Despite numerous local and Federal statutes for nursing home operation, it is impossible to predict when and where nursing home abuse may occur. Weak enforcement of regulations allows many employees with the potential to do harm to slip through the cracks. Poor training, failure to supervise, fake resumes, failure to perform background checks, and other inadequacies leave certain nursing home residents vulnerable.

Does nursing home abuse come in different guises?

The most identifiable type of nursing home abuse is physical abuse, which may include slip and fall marks, burns, bruises, cuts, marks, welts, etc. Mental abuse is also prevalent and may be carried out through degradation, intimidation, verbal abuse, use of fear, and threats. Sexual abuse includes any forced sexual conduct or inappropriate sexual actions or suggestions. Neglect is another type of mistreatment that may consist of failure to provide food and water, failure to administer medical care, forced isolation, failure to provide hygienic care and bathing, failure to promote mobility, and others. A final type of nursing home abuse is financial exploitation . Nursing home employees have used trickery or blatant stealing to take advantage of a resident's assets including personal belongings, estate money, and property owned.

What are other signs of abuse or neglect?

Abuse in many cases is not so obvious. Victims may attempt to hide abuse from family members because they are ashamed and scared of the consequences. Be on the lookout for any changes in your loved one's behavior, including sudden depression, bouts of anger, withdrawal, reclusive or antisocial behavior and extreme sadness. Demand answers for any unexplained or unauthorized changes in health, such as sudden weight loss or illness. Probe for more information if there are any occurrences that seem suspect, such as a slip and fall or change in medication. Don't accept excuses for a strong smell of urine.

What can family members do to end abuse or neglect?

Your first concern should be investigating suspicions of your loved one's treatment and getting him or her relocated if abuse or neglect is occurring. Visit our Nursing Home Abuse Resource Links page for information on preventing abuse and finding safe facilities. Many serious health problems and deaths have occurred because of nursing home neglect and abuse. Contact an experienced nursing home neglect attorney immediately if you suspect abuse.

What happens after my loved one's claim is persued?

The claim of abuse or neglect will be reported to the State of Pennsylvania. If the facility is found guilty of abuse, there are certain disciplinary measures that will punish the facility and the offender(s) and possibly lead to the termination of license of the facility. The facility will also be ordered to pay a certain amount of damages for the hardship your loved one endured. Money cannot erase the pain and personal anguish resulting from abuse, but it can provide some restitution and help provide quality care for your loved one.

How can I find a truly safe residence for my loved one?

There are many avenues you can use for relocating your loved one. It is best to go visit a few facilities with good community reputations, with thorough investigations. Visit our elder resources page for tips on how to protect your loved one from harm and finding a trusted safe haven.

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Find out more about nursing home neglect and what you can do to stop it. Call or email the nursing home abuse attorneys in Philadelphia at Pomerantz Perlberger & Lewis today for a personal consultation.