Physical Abuse on Elderly
When a person decides to live in a Nursing Home, it is an important decision because the care could be long term or short term. As a family safety and proper medical care is essential to the quality of life for the elderly residing in a home. Physical abuse is not an issue an individual thinks may happen in a home; however with 1.6 million people residing in nursing homes, the occurrence of physical abuse is higher than one might think. Some studies indicated that almost 50 percent of residents in nursing homes have suffered some form of physical abuse while under the care of others. An Arizona Nursing Home Advocate Attorney can assist in your legal needs if someone you love has suffered due to physical abuse of a health care provider. The nursing home is liable for both the bodily and mental injuries suffered due to physical abuse.
One of the most upsetting statistics is that nearly 40 percent of nursing home employees admit to physically abusing a resident at least once in a year, while 85 percent of employees share the belief that the physical abuse is due to the understaffing in the nursing home. This is not the case. There should be no excuse for physically harming another human being. The types of physical abuse can differ from situation and often people do not notice the physical implications of abuse, but it is important to take notice of these signs in order to stop future abuse from happening.
Signs of Physical Abuse
- Welts
- Unusual Bruises
- Unexplainable Fractures
- Burns
- Sores, including bedsores or pressure sores
- Patches of Hair loss due to a caregiver pulling a resident's hair
- Overmedication
- Swelling
- Change in victims mood
- Medium or Severe Sprains
- Scratches
- Bite marks
How does someone get abused?
- Punching
- Kicking
- Scratching
- Withholding food or medication
- Burning
- Assault with a weapon or object
- Slapping
- Restraining
Abuse can be done by another resident in the nursing home or assisted living center. It is the responsibility of the staff to keep a watchful eye on the interaction of residents. But most contact that a nursing home resident has is with the staff that cares for them, thus most of the abuse comes from an employee. If you suspect your family member has been a victim of physical abuse contact the head of the staff and an Arizona attorney. With most employees working for minimum wage (not physicians or nurses) the workload increases and frustration can be taken out on a resident.
Contact an Arizona Nursing Home Advocate Lawyer
Each resident in a nursing home, should not fear being punched or kicked by someone who is suppose to be giving adequate and appropriate care. An Arizona Attorney in the Tempe, Phoenix, Mesa, Scottsdale and Maricopa County communities can help you and your family gather information on what financial obligation due to physical abuse nursing are liable for. For more information see www.nursinghomeadvocates.com.
