Nursing home neglect is the neglect, exploitation, or painful or harmful mistreatment of anyone who is 65 or older occurring in a Skilled Nursing Facility or Long Term Care Facility.  It might be physical violence, psychological abuse, isolation or a caregivers neglect including failing to provided necessary medical care.  It could be identity theft, or theft or embezzlement of a senior’s property. (California Penal Code Sec. 368: California Welfare & Institutions Code Sec. 15610.23, 1560.27).

Nursing Home Neglect in California has increased 18 percent in the past five years.  Experts worry that the soured economy has put vulnerable seniors at greater risk for abuse.
Here is a list of a few things that maybe signs of physical or financial abuse:

• Unexplained injuries or death
• Dehydration
• Bedsores, also know as pressure sores or decubitis ulcers
• Broken Bones
• Weight Loss
• Contractures
• Lack of attention  the residents personal hygiene
• Untreated Medical Conditions
• Disorientation, depression or isolation
• Presence of unjustified physical or chemical restraints
• Unkempt and foul smelling condition
• Lack of appropriate medical treatment
• Bruises, contusions or skin tears

Nursing home abuse and/or neglect can involve not only the physical well-being of the resident, but also the mental, and/or psychological well-being of the resident as well.
Nursing home abuse and/or neglect can take many forms, all of which are too numerous to list.  The following represent common examples of  nursing home abuse and/or neglect:

• failure to provide proper nutrition and hydration
• failure to assist in personal hygiene when needed
• over-medication or under-medication
• failure to take reasonable precautions to prevent falls
• failure to prevent the development or progression of contractures
• failure to answer call lights in a timely fashion
• failure to turn residents in their beds (leading to pressure sores)
• failure to take residents to the toilet (leaving them in soiled garments or beds)
• slapping or other physical abuse of the resident
• use of unwarranted chemical or physical restraints
• emotional or verbal abuse of the resident
• retaliation for making a complaint or filing a grievance
• failure to take adequate precautions to prevent injury to the resident
• failure to provide for appropriate medical care
• sexual assault or rape of the resident
• theft of the resident's money or other personal property

Without intervention, abuse can escalate.  When in doubt about whether abuse has occurred, err on the side of caution and report it. 24 hour Elder Abuse Hotline (California only) (800) 491-7123.

Every year tens of thousands of elderly Americans are abused  in nursing facilities responsible for their care. They are harmed in some substantial way, often by people who are directly responsible for their care.  More than half a million report of abuse against elderly Americans reach authorities every year, and millions more cases go unreported.

As the elderly become more physically frail, they are less able to stand up to bullying or fight back if attacked.  They may not see or hear as well or think as clearly as they used to, leaving openings for unscrupulous people to take advantage of them.  Mental or physical ailments may make them more trying companions for people who live with them.

If you suspect a loved one has been the victim of Nursing Home Neglect, please call Steve Weinberg now for a free consultation.  (888) 321-1022

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