Going through nursing home abuse in Bucks County can be a distressing experience for both residents and their family members. While it is regarded as a punishable offense in most scenarios, you can also pursue compensation for nursing home abuse by filing a lawsuit against those accountable.
Recognizing nursing home abuse can be challenging, as it can take various forms, including physical, emotional, financial, and others. However, it is critical to identify the signs of abuse to ensure your loved one receives the proper care they deserve. If you suspect that your loved one is a victim of nursing home abuse, pay close attention to any unusual behavior or physical signs and report them immediately. We can help you take action to protect your loved one and seek compensation for any harm caused.
For a free case assessment, speak with our nursing home abuse lawyers at The Reiff Law Firm today at (215) 709-6940.
Types of Nursing Home Abuse That Occurs in Bucks County
Abuse can manifest in various forms, not exclusively physical or sexual harm. Older nursing home residents are particularly vulnerable to different types of abuse. Although it might not be immediately apparent, abuse takes many shapes. If you suspect that your loved one has been a victim of abuse, our nursing home abuse attorneys can assist you in seeking justice and recovering damages for your losses. The following types of nursing home abuse are among the most frequently committed in Bucks County:
Neglect
Unfortunately, neglect is a serious type of abuse that is common in nursing homes, where the staff or the facility might fail to take appropriate measures. Even though it might not be done intentionally, neglect can still cause severe harm to elderly residents, and those responsible for their well-being can be held accountable.
The main causes of neglect are often linked to inadequate management, insufficient staff training, or a lack of resources to meet the needs of residents. Some examples of neglect include not providing enough food or water, leaving residents unattended for extended periods, ignoring their complaints or needs, failing to administer medications, and improperly cleaning residents or their living spaces, which can spread infections and diseases.
Physical Abuse
Abuse can manifest in various forms, and while physical violence is the most commonly associated type, the elderly in nursing homes are susceptible to other forms of abuse, too. Among these, physical abuse is a significant concern, which involves inflicting harm through hitting, choking, or restraining someone against their will.
The abuse could be perpetrated by staff members or even other residents in the facility. Regardless of the cause, physical abuse is a grave violation of one’s rights, and the offender must be held accountable for their actions.
Emotional Abuse
Emotional abuse is a type of cruelty that is often subtle but equally prevalent as other forms of abuse. It involves a range of behaviors that are designed to control, manipulate, and dominate a victim’s emotions, thoughts, and behavior.
This type of abuse can manifest itself in various ways, including verbal abuse, threats, gaslighting, and isolation. Emotional abuse can happen quickly and persistently, making it difficult for victims to recognize it as such. It can cause severe psychological and emotional harm, leading to feelings of confusion, anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. Unfortunately, many victims refrain from taking action for fear of the potential consequences, which can further perpetuate the cycle of abuse.
Financial Abuse
Financial exploitation is an unfortunate reality that plagues elderly residents of nursing homes. These vulnerable individuals are often taken advantage of by unscrupulous individuals who have no qualms about exploiting their trust.
Financial abuse can take many forms, including unwarranted charges for services or goods that were never provided. In some cases, the perpetrators of this kind of abuse might be staff members or even other residents, who might coerce the elderly into using their credit cards or transferring money to their personal accounts. It is of paramount importance to safeguard nursing home residents from these kinds of financial scams, whether they originate from external sources or are perpetrated by individuals within the facility.
Sexual Abuse
Sexual abuse can be defined as any non-consensual sexual contact experienced by a nursing home resident, even if it involves only inappropriate touching or fondling.
It should be noted that sexual abuse can occur without physical contact. If a resident is compelled to engage in sexually inappropriate conduct or undress against their will, the person responsible might be held accountable. In such cases, the victim might file a lawsuit to seek justice for the harm they have suffered.
Common Signs of Nursing Home Abuse in Bucks County
Identifying nursing home abuse can be difficult since abusers often try to hide their actions. However, if you know what to look for, there are signs that could indicate that your loved one might be experiencing abuse. Unexplained changes in their behavior or mood could be a red flag for abuse. Here are some of the most common signs of nursing home abuse that you should be aware of so that you can take proper action.
Unexplained Injuries
It is also necessary to be observant of any bruises or injuries you notice while visiting a loved one, as they could be signs of abuse. Although bruises are common in older people, they usually have a cause. If you notice signs of physical abuse, such as cuts or scratches, there might be no logical explanation, and it should not be dismissed.
Behavioral Changes
It is important to be aware that changes in a resident’s behavior can be a sign of potential abuse. These changes could manifest in sudden mood swings, such as increased anxiety, anger, or depression, that are not typical of the resident. Alternatively, the resident might become more withdrawn and reluctant to engage in conversations. Paying attention to these changes is crucial as they could indicate abuse.
Unexplained Financial Transactions
It is crucial to remain attentive to any changes in your loved one’s financial situation that deviate from their usual behavior. This could be an indication of financial exploitation, which can be difficult to detect and might involve staff members or other residents stealing their possessions or the nursing home misusing their funds.
It is also possible that your loved one might not realize that they are being financially abused. If your loved one expresses a desire to change their will or make other financial decisions, it is important to be cautious, as it could be a sign of financial abuse.
Our Bucks County Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers Can Help
Contact The Reiff Law Firm at (215) 709-6940 for your free case review with our nursing home abuse attorneys.
