Alzheimer's Disease Linked to Physical Abuse
Nursing Home Abuse Resource reports that nursing home abusive incidents including emotional, sexual, and physical abuse statistically is on a rise. Even with nursing homes all across the United States (including Maricopa County) reporting changes in their facilities toward their elderly residents, incidents continue to rise. An investigation has lead to a surprising link in nursing home care -- residents who may have Alzheimer's disease are more likely to suffer some sort of abuse than other residents with a disease or illness. Why? Alzheimer's affects the individuals' memory; therefore, unfortunately, victims of abuse in nursing homes cannot remember the actual abuse they have suffered while under someone else's care.
An Arizona Nursing Home Attorney can assist in your legal needs if someone you love suffers from Alzheimer's disease and has suffered physical, emotional, or sexual abuse under the care of an Arizona Nursing home. The nursing home is liable for both the mental and physical injuries suffered due to the unnecessary and degrading abuse by a caregiver. While 85 percent of employees share the belief that the physical abuse is due to stresses of understaffing, your loved one should not have to suffer abuse whether a facility is half or fully staffed. The first step in prevention is recognizing the signs of Alzheimer's disease as well as signs of neglect or abuse.
An estimated 5.6 million people live with Alzheimer's disease with no cure, according the Alzheimer's Association. The disease affects memory by destroying cells inside the brain. There is no cure and the disease is eventually fatal as the destruction of brain cells can affect the mood, behavior, and daily aspects of their life. With the brain having over 100 billion cells, it is important to see the collective damage that a harsh disease can do. Since the disease affects memory and the individual cannot recall certain events, nursing home abusers pick these residents as their victims. Although dealing with a person who has a memory problem is troublesome, it does not give the caregiver the right to abuse them.
Prevention is not always possible but knowing some signs can help you and your loved ones with Alzheimer's disease.
Some Signs of Physical Abuse:
- Bruises and swelling
- Bedsores
- Welts
- Cuts and scrapes
- Breakage of skin or bones
Some Signs of Emotional Abuse:
- Loss of interest in social activities
- Depression
- Withdrawal
- Shift in mood
- Uncontrollable crying
- Sudden shyness
Some Signs of Sexual Abuse:
- Does not like to be touched
- Swelling or injuries in the genital area
- Bruising between the thighs
- Sudden Rectal Problems such as bleeding
Contact an Arizona Nursing Home Advocate Attorney
Any form of abuse is unacceptable even if the patient suffers from a difficult disease. You and your family have rights. If you suspect that a family with Alzheimer's disease has suffered from a form of abuse, contact an Arizona Attorney in the Maricopa County area. Damages can be collected for their emotional and physical suffering. For more information see www.nursinghomeadvocates.com.
