Nursing homes are supposed to provide high-quality care for their residents. These facilities can provide essential help to families who cannot care for an elderly loved one adequately on their own. However, some staff members working in nursing homes may harm innocent residents by neglecting or intentionally abusing them, whether deliberately or unintentionally. If you are concerned that your loved one is suffering abuse or neglect at their nursing facility, don’t hesitate to contact an experienced Spartanburg, South Carolina nursing home abuse lawyer at Poliakoff & Associates, P.A. Some family members are wary of reaching out for assistance out of fear that their suspicions may be incorrect. A Spartanburg, SC nursing home abuse lawyer can help investigate your situation so that whatever decision you ultimately make concerning legal action is informed.
What is Nursing Home Abuse?
When families choose to put an elderly loved one in a nursing home, it is never an easy decision. However, many aging adults have physical or mental needs that require round-the-clock care. Nursing homes can relieve the burden on loved ones and provide care to keep senior citizens healthy.
Unfortunately, residents are reportedly seriously injured or worse in nursing homes throughout the nation. Sadly, many of these events can be traced back to nursing home neglect and abuse. Nursing home abuse is a nationally-recognized problem. Elderly residents can suffer injury or harm from the actions of staffers. Nursing home abuse can contribute to severe illnesses and even death. Nursing home residents can suffer from:
Nursing home abuse is a prevalent issue. Nursing home abuse often goes unreported. Nursing home residents may refrain from speaking out due to the fear of retaliation from abusive staff members. Friends and families may not be aware that the abuse has been committed until great harm or wrongful death has occurred.
What Are the Causes of Nursing Home Abuse?
Not all nursing facilities provide the same standard of care. Some nursing homes struggle to provide the right resources, oversight, and care. Nursing homes often face problems with staff that can lead to residents being denied quality care. Nursing home staff problems include:
Any of these factors can result in the neglect or abuse of residents.
What Are Some Warning Signs of Abuse?
Aging adults may have mental or physical ailments that make it harder for them to speak up. Knowing the signs of abuse and neglect can help you identify if there is a problem. Your loved one may not be capable of speaking up, but you are and a Spartanburg, SC nursing home abuse lawyer can help. Warning signs can include:
What Can I Do About Nursing Home Abuse?
If you suspect that a loved one is being neglected or abused, you can file a report with local, state, and national authorities. Reporting elder abuse is an essential crucial step, as it can hold the nursing home and the abusive staff members accountable for their actions. To learn more about your options, contact a Spartanburg, SC nursing home abuse lawyer today. Exploring your legal options doesn’t commit you to taking action but it does help to ensure that your decisions are informed and supported.