Nursing homes should be places where our elderly family members can get the medical care and social interactions they need to enjoy their golden years. However, not all nursing homes take their duty to provide quality care seriously. And those that don’t put the people in their care at risk of serious illness and injury.
Nursing home abuse and neglect are real problems in the United States. Studies indicate that as many as one in 10 elderly adults experience some form of abuse. At Ryan Bisher Ryan & Simons, we believe this is unacceptable. That’s why we want to help you recognize the signs of nursing home abuse and neglect so you can get your loved ones the help they need. To learn more, contact us today for a free consultation with a nursing home abuse lawyer.
What Is Considered Neglect in a Nursing Home?
Nursing home neglect is a pattern of not properly caring for elderly residents or addressing their basic needs. Forgetting to bring an elderly resident an extra pillow one time is not neglect. Repeatedly failing to feed or provide medical care to a resident can be considered neglect.
Nursing home neglect can be accidental, meaning a nursing home is so understaffed that overwhelmed caregivers routinely forget to or simply can’t address the needs of residents. Nursing home neglect can also be intentional, such as when a caregiver chooses to ignore the medical, hygienic, or basic needs of elderly residents.
What Is Considered Elderly Abuse in Nursing Homes?
Elderly abuse in nursing homes occurs when a caregiver intentionally causes harm to a resident. Although many people think of abuse in terms of violent physical interactions, the term can refer more broadly to:
- Physical abuse
- Emotional abuse
- Sexual abuse
- Financial abuse
If you notice a pattern of unusual injuries or infections, changes in eating or sleeping habits, bedsores, weight loss, a sudden change in appearance or mood, or malnutrition, your loved one may be in an abusive situation.
Examples of Abuse and Neglect in Nursing Homes
Abuse doesn’t always lead to bruises and broken bones, making it difficult to recognize the signs of abuse and neglect. Common examples of abusive and neglectful situations can include:
- Not bathing a resident regularly or otherwise addressing their hygienic needs
- Not seeking medical attention for a resident when needed
- Not giving a resident food and water
- Not giving a resident their prescribed medication
- Leaving a resident in their wheelchair or bed for extended periods
- Hitting, kicking, slapping, or biting a resident
- Yelling at a resident or making verbal threats
- Stealing a resident’s identity or financial information
- Engaging in sexual contact with a resident without consent
- Isolating a resident from other residents, family, or friends
Contact a Nursing Home Neglect Lawyer in Oklahoma for a Free Consultation
Elderly abuse in nursing homes happens far more frequently than it should. Abuse and neglect can rob a person of their health, safety, identity, and sense of well-being. If you suspect your loved one is in an abusive situation, get in touch with an experienced nursing home abuse attorney immediately.
At Ryan Bisher Ryan & Simons, we believe your loved one deserves justice and compensation for their injuries. Contact us today for a free and confidential consultation with a nursing home neglect lawyer in Oklahoma.
We are Ryan Bisher Ryan & Simons, a legal firm that, for decades, has been fighting for the rights of hardworking Oklahoma residents. Our mission is to hold the powerful accountable.
