New York – New Jersey Nursing Home Abuse Attorney
Nursing Home abuse is a common occurrence that can be difficult to handle at times. There is no secret that elder care has become a multi-billion dollar industry. The number of nursing homes, residences and other facilities geared toward caring for the elderly have multiplied several times as the “baby boomer” generation ages. This phenomenon has even included the birth of large nursing home “chains.”
Of course, as in any other business, profits are of paramount importance. Thus, as the owners of elder care facilities try to find ways to increase their profit margins, resident services are the target. Smaller staffs, lower paid employees and cutting corners on equipment, supplies and medical care have become commonplace. As a result, there has been a dramatic and troubling increase in neglect and abuse claims as well as investigations and prosecutions by various law enforcement agencies in a number of states.
Placing a parent, grandparent or loved one in a nursing home or other eldercare facility is a difficult decision. Unfortunately, all too often, substandard care, negligent treatment and even criminal conduct by nursing home employees turn an already emotional situation into a nightmare. The neglect of residents’ basic needs is the leading type of nursing home injuries with physical abuse by caregivers ranking second.
Intentional abuse most often takes the form of physical and/or sexual assault and battery, verbal or emotional abuse, retaliation for making complaints or filing grievances, unreasonable physical restriction, food and water deprivation and the use of a physical restraint or medications for any purpose not authorized by a physician.
Families should be on the lookout for the warning signs of nursing home abuse and neglect which include:
• inadequate staffing
• poor personal hygiene
• inadequate food, clothing or shelter
• inadequate medical care for physical and mental health needs
• inadequate protection from health and safety hazards
• dramatic changes in a resident’s personality not attributable to existing conditions
• fear of a resident to discuss matters relating to care or treatment by specific employees
• malnutrition or dehydration
• over- or under-medication
• inadequate supervision
• accidents involving falls or other injuries
• potentially fatal decubitis ulcers (bed/pressure sores)
• soiled garments or beds
If you have been the victim of nursing home abuse and neglect, please contact us for a free consultation. We’re available at our New York and New Jersey offices to answer your questions 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
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