Nursing home abuse has become unacceptably common in the United States. According to the National Center on Elder Abuse, at least 44 percent of surveyed retirement home residents reported that they were experiencing abuse.
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Nursing home abuse takes many forms; common examples include sexual abuse, physical assault, financial exploitation and neglect. These can have far-reaching effects for victims and their families.
If you or a family member was abused or neglected at a retirement home, you may have grounds for a personal injury claim. If your loved one died, then an injury attorney can help you file a wrongful death lawsuit.
Ronald W. Truman is a Las Vegas personal-injury lawyer who is ready to represent your interests. He graduated top 10 percent of his class from Brigham Young University.
Call 702-821-1821 to schedule a free initial consultation with the Truman Law Firm P.C. Until then, read on for a brief overview of the effects of nursing home abuse on the elderly:
- Psychological Effects
Any type of abuse can cause instant and long-lasting psychological trauma, anxiety and other mental issues. It is important that the family members of residents know the psychological symptoms of nursing home abuse. These include:
- Reluctance to talk in front of staff members;
- Unusual sleeping or eating patterns;
- Hesitancy to make eye contact;
- Erratic mood swings;
- Fear;
- And depression.
- Social Effects
Self-isolation and social withdrawal are common behaviors among nursing home abuse victims. These can cause intense loneliness and depression.
- Physical Effects
The symptoms of physical abuse are usually easier to spot than the signs of financial abuse, neglect and sexual abuse. As the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention explains, you should be concerned if you notice:
- Head injuries;
- Fractures;
- Bruises;
- Cuts;
- Malnutrition;
- Bed sores;
- Sleep issues;
- Or increased illness susceptibility.
- Financial Effects
Retirement home residents, as well as their businesses and families, can suffer significant economic losses because of financial exploitation. This type of fraud has far-reaching effects because it increases dependence on federal health-care programs. According to the NCEA, elderly Americans lose more than $2.6 billion due to financial abuse every year.
Common examples of financial exploitation include:
- Cashing in residents’ checks without consent;
- Forging the victim’s signature;
- Stealing belongings or money;
- And abusing power of attorney.
If you notice the following when visiting your loved one, then you should be immediately concerned:
- Unexplained money transfers;
- Abrupt changes made to his or her will;
- Checks written to a caregiver;
- Or missing money and possessions.
If you or a loved one was the victim of elder abuse in Nevada, contact the Truman Law Firm. Ronald W. Truman is a Las Vegas injury attorney who can has been practicing law for more than 25 years. He is a member of the American Association for Justice and of the Utah Association for Justice. Call 702-821-1821 to schedule a free initial consultation.
