The decision to place a loved one in a nursing home is never easy. You put your trust in the physicians, nurses and staff to care for and treat your loved one with the dignity they deserve in their final years. As a result, finding out that your loved one was abused in a nursing home can be devastating. Unfortunately, according to the National Center on Elder Abuse, it is all too common. Almost 2 million elderly over the age of 65 are abused, mistreated, or injured by someone they depend on for care and the vast majority of cases are never reported. Nursing home abuse lawyer can provide the support and guidance needed during such a difficult time.
Nursing homes have a responsibility to perform background checks on all their employees. Unfortunately, staffing shortages and budget constraints often hasten these checks and allow potentially dangerous and dishonest people to become caregivers. This increases the risk for theft, sexual abuse and assault and can put your loved one in danger.
The elderly are unfortunately easy targets for mental, physical, medical and even financial abuse, because of their dependence. Nursing home abuse can take many forms, but the most common ones are:
