Moving your loved one to a nursing home requires courage and trust. Facility staff have a duty of care to provide compassionate, humane treatment. If you have suspicions of abuse, you might wonder what to do next. At Savage, Royall & Sheheen, LLP, our team can guide you through the legal process. Your compassionate nursing home abuse lawyer will thoroughly investigate your case and represent your family’s best interests every step of the way.
What Can a Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer in Camden, SC, Do for You?
Watching someone you love, suffer the impact of abuse, can cause anger and confusion. Extreme emotion may prevent you from being able to think clearly about what to do next. Our team can provide support to alleviate your burdens. Some of the tasks we will oversee include:
- Reviewing investigative reports and evidence
- Communicating with third-parties
- Filing legal paperwork
- Determining damages
- Representing you and your loved one in a court of law
The trauma that stems from abuse can have lingering psychological and physical effects. Our team’s support will hopefully make space for you and your family to heal from these traumas.
What Kind of Abuse Happens in Nursing Homes?
Elder abuse occurs in many forms, each of which can have a tremendous impact on a person’s quality of life and life expectancy. Your awareness of the different types of abuse can help you stay vigilant about your loved one’s well-being.
Physical abuse
Physical abuse includes hitting, kicking, shoving and restraining. Unexplained injuries, bruising and anxiety may all indicate physical assault. If you ask for an explanation about your loved one’s injuries or change in behavior and the response does not add up, you might want to contact your nursing home abuse lawyer in Camden, SC.
Psychological abuse
Psychological abuse includes intimidation, manipulation, gaslighting, taunting and isolation. If you notice unsettling changes in your loved one’s personality, there could be psychological mistreatment at the root. Other warning signs include withdrawal, depression and disinterest in activities that would normally cause excitement.
Neglect and abandonment
Despite being in a nursing home facility, your loved one should still have opportunities to socialize. Community activities, visits from family and positive interactions with staff members are all crucial to your loved one’s well-being. Signs of neglect may include persistent, unexplained illness, poor hygiene and a filthy environment.
Financial abuse
Financial abuse involves stealing money or using deception to defraud someone. If you notice suspicious activity in your loved one’s bank account or missing money, you may want to take a closer look at who has access to personal account information.
Sexual abuse
Many nursing home patients have diminished physical and psychological capabilities. This could make them more susceptible to sexual abuse. If your family member shows signs of withdrawal or has noticeable changes in demeanor, ensure you know what happens when you are not around.
Regardless of the type of abuse, inhumane treatment causes extreme suffering. Abuse creates fear, distrust and anxiety. If not addressed, the abuse suffered by your loved one could have a negative impact that drastically damages life quality. In serious cases, mistreatment can cause fatality.
What Are Typical Signs of Nursing Home Abuse?
Signs of abuse in a nursing home can be everywhere. Pay attention to the environment. Is it clean? Does it smell good? Are residents clean and well cared for? Warning signs of abuse might include poor hygiene, unexplained injuries, repeat illness, withdrawal, personality changes, insomnia, disinterest, mood swings and isolation.
Observe how the staff members interact with the residents. Are the interactions positive? Does it seem like residents are comfortable approaching staff members for help? One of the best ways to watch for abuse is to establish a regular visitation schedule. Drop in unannounced at times, too, so you can get a more accurate idea of what happens when you are not around.
How Common Is Nursing Home Abuse?
Nursing home abuse is far more common than many people realize. Given the vulnerable nature of aging adults, some caretakers may take advantage and excuse poor treatment. When searching for a trustworthy nursing home, pay attention to ratings and reviews. Perusing online reviews can shed light on other families’ experiences with specific facilities.
You have the right to scout out potential facilities before deciding. Speak with facility staff and express your concerns. Inquire about the process of filing a complaint should one arise. Our Camden personal injury attorneys recognize the prevalence of abuse and will advocate for your loved one.
What Rights Do Nursing Home Residents Have?
Though your loved one lives in a nursing home, it should not mean a compromise of kind, humane care. Your family member has the right to socialize, to receive proper medical aid and to have help with day-to-day needs. Should a concern arise, your family member has the right to issue a complaint and request a change. Staff members should make it a point to get to know each resident and should make each person feel wanted and important.
Do You Suspect That Your Loved One Has Experienced Nursing Home Abuse?
If you suspect that your family member is a victim of abuse, you should immediately contact your nursing home abuse lawyer in Camden, SC. We can direct you to your next steps. You can also file a formal complaint with the facility. Staff and management should respond to your concerns with transparency and professionalism. If they ignore your inquiries, you may need to report elsewhere.
Your local authorities can take immediate action in emergencies. You can also contact Adult Protective Services and request an investigation. Your vigilance could prevent more abuse from occurring to other innocent people.
Trust Savage, Royall & Sheheen, LLP, as Your Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers in Camden, SC
Your nursing home abuse lawyer in Camden, SC, will investigate your case from every angle. We will articulate how the abuse has forever altered your family member’s life. Reach out to the legal team Savage, Royall & Sheheen, LLP, and we can advocate for your loved one.