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Nursing Home Abuse

elderly abused woman

Unfortunately, nursing home abuse continues to happen everyday. It should not be accepted.  Nursing home patients have rights. Under New York Law, facilities must "ensure that all residents are afforded their right to a dignified existence, self-determination, respect, full recognition of their individuality, consideration and privacy in treatment," along with specific rights involving clinical care, financial matters, admissions and transfers to other facilities. (N.Y. Comp. Codes R. & Regs. tit. 10, § 415.3).

 Nursing Home Abuse Incidence Is Increasing

The number of nursing home negligence cases is increasing. This neglect and abuse is due to large, private company purchasing nursing homes and not providing adequate staff, training, or resources. Nursing home neglect and abuse in should not be tolerated.
 

Nursing Home Abuse: Recognize The Signs

The first step in preventing nursing home abuse is to know the signs. Nursing home abuse can be physical, emotional, or simple negligence. Whatever the form, nursing home abuse should be reported. Some common warning signs that could indicate abuse or neglect at a nursing home are:
 

Physical Nursing Home Abuse

  • Unexplained Falls
  • Broken bones
  • Bedsores
  • Dehydration
  • Loss of weight or appetite
  • Wounds, broken skin, or bruises

Emotional Nursing Home Abuse

  • Any sudden behavioral change
  • Any unusual behavior
  • Self-Abuse
  • Agitation
  • Becoming withdrawn or refusing to communicate

Nursing Home Neglect

  • Skin discoloration, including red or dark areas (bedsores)
  • Poor personal hygiene
  • Medication withheld or excess given
  • Incorrect body position
  • Lack of assistance with eating and drinking
  • Unsanitary and unclean conditions
  • Dirt, soiled bed, fecal or urine odor

 

Nursing Home Abuse: What To Do About It

If any of these warning signs of abuse or neglect exist, you should make a formal compliant with the nursing home’s staff and maintain a record of this complaint. If signs exist, or if your loved one mentions abuse or repeated neglect, you should seek the guidance of one of The Law Office of Cohen & Jaffe’s qualified nursing home abuse lawyers.
 
 Email us directly at jaffelaw1@aol.com or call us at 516-358-6900 for a free consultation to discuss your legal options.