Mental Disabilities in Assisted Living Residents
There are many debilitating issues that a resident of an assisted living center has to face ranging from physical disabilities to loss of mental capacities including diseases such as dementia or Alzheimer’s. Along with the loss of mental capacities, these diseases can often be accompanied by behavioral issues for the individual as well. Many individuals can suffer from things such as clinical depression to more severe issues such as schizophrenia or psychosis. No matter the severity of the disease or ailment, these behavioral issues place your loved ones in situations where they may be susceptible to potentially abusive situations, especially if your loved ones suffer from one of these ailments. Often, individuals with mental disabilities require much more assistance than most individuals in an assisted living center. However, it is a common belief that most individuals can care for themselves in many ways, which may not actually be the case.
There have been cases reported where residents suffering from some sort of mental or behavioral issues, while in the care of an assisted living center, face abuse and/or neglect from staff members in the facility. Your loved ones should never be put in these situations and they deserve the highest level of care possible at any Arizona Assisted living center. If you suspect your loved ones have been abused in some way as a result of their mental or behavioral issues, an Arizona Nursing Home Advocacy Attorney can assist you.
Behavioral Issues Associated with Alzheimer’s
- Wandering
- Aggression
- Disorientation
- Confusion
- Hallucinations
- Paranoia
With these types of behavioral issues, it is possible for your loved one to be put in a situation where they are neglected from staff members or even abused. With issues such as disorientation or confusion, it leaves them susceptible to physical or emotional abuse from staff. Since the disease affects memory and the individual cannot recall certain events, assisted living center 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.
There are many visible signs of physical or emotional abuse, and being aware of these signs is one of the first steps to prevention of abuse. If you notice your loved ones exhibiting any or all of these signs, you may be entitled to compensation from the assisted living center.
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
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 some sort of disease that causes behavioral problems has suffered from a form of abuse, contact an Arizona Assisted living center Advocacy Attorney in the Maricopa County area. Damages can be collected for their emotional and physical suffering. For more information see www.nursinghomeadvocates.com.
