The decision to place an elderly loved one in a nursing home is always difficult and shouldn't be made lightly. You are placing your trust in the nursing home facility to treat your loved one with dignity and respect, and to provide quality care. Unfortunately, many nursing home residents don't receive the care they deserve. Due to a variety of reasons, nursing home abuse and neglect has become a widespread problem throughout the United States.
It is heartbreaking to think that nursing home residents might suffer abuse at the hands of the very people responsible for their care. If you suspect that your loved one has been the victim of nursing home abuse or neglect, you have rights. Jim Miron has witnessed firsthand the devastation caused by this abuse, and he'll help your loved one receive the assistance necessary during this difficult time. You don't have to go it alone.
You can learn about your legal rights and options by speaking with Jim in person. Please call 203.339.5991 today to schedule a complimentary consultation. We serve clients throughout Connecticut.
A Problem too Widespread to Ignore
It is difficult to obtain accurate statistics on the frequency of abuse in nursing home facilities since many cases go unreported. This is likely due to the fact that many elder abuse victims are either unable to communicate this abuse to others or choose not to report it out of fear. That being said, the data that has been reported is alarming:
- Approximately 5 million elderly individuals are abused each year
- Approximately 24% of nursing home residents experienced at least one instance of physical abuse
- Only about 1 in 14 incidents of nursing home abuse are actually reported
- In recent years, Adult Protective Services has received an increasing number of reports of elder abuse
Nursing home abuse and neglect can occur for a variety of reasons, including:
- Inadequate staffing
- Failure to properly train nursing home staff
- Overworked staff
- Negligent hiring practices, including a failure to properly vet all candidates for nursing home positions
This abuse can have a devastating impact on the physical, emotional and financial well-being of the victims. Jim can help you hold all negligent parties accountable for their actions and help ensure that your loved one starts receiving the proper care.
Common Types of Nursing Home Abuse
Nursing home abuse can take many forms. Some of the most common include:
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Physical abuse – Physical abuse occurs when an intentional act is committed that causes bodily injury or pain to a nursing home resident. Examples include hitting, punching, kicking, pushing or excessive use of restraints.
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Emotional abuse – Words or actions that cause emotional distress or mental anguish constitute emotional abuse. Examples include name-calling, threats, intimidation, humiliation and isolation.
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Sexual abuse – Sexual abuse occurs when a resident is violated in a sexual nature. Examples include unwanted groping, touching, or sexual intercourse.
- Financial abuse – Financial abuse involves exploiting a resident in order to gain control over their finances. It can include stealing money or other possessions, forging financial documents, stealing bank statements in order to gain access to funds in the account, or misusing power of attorney privileges.
In addition, many nursing home residents are victims of general neglect. This occurs when the nursing home fails to provide the proper care required by residents. Unlike abuse, which is performed intentionally, neglect typically isn't carried out with the intention to inflict harm on the victim. Instead, it is usually caused by carelessness or a lack of oversight.
Common examples of nursing home neglect include:
- Failure to provide adequate nutrition or hydration
- Failure to properly administer all required medications
- Failure to assist with bathing and bathroom needs
- Inadequate supervision
- Failure to protect residents from safety hazards
- Failure to report illness or injuries to medical staff or family members
- Failure to ensure the safety and security of residents
Neglect can often have serious consequences. In severe instances, it can result in hospitalization or death. If your loved one has died due to nursing home neglect, you may be entitled to file a wrongful death lawsuit to hold all negligent parties accountable.
Common Signs of Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect
It's important that you keep an eye out for the warning signs of nursing home abuse and neglect every time you visit your loved one. These include:
- Unexplained bruises, cuts, broken bones and other injuries
- Depression
- Poor hygiene
- Bedsores
- Malnutrition
- Dehydration
- Unusual behavioral changes such as becoming increasingly anxious, fearful or withdrawn
- Theft of personal property
- Infections, including STDs
If you notice any of these signs, you should discuss your concern with your loved one and request a meeting with a staff supervisor immediately. If your concerns aren't adequately addressed by a supervisor or if your loved one confirms that abuse is occurring, you should contact Attorney Jim Miron. He can advise you as to the proper steps to take in order to remove your loved one from this abusive situation.
Jim Miron Can Help
Jim Miron has over 29 years of experience fighting for the rights of nursing home abuse victims, and he can help you get the assistance you need. Jim will carefully investigate your case to document any instances of abuse. This investigation may involve:
- Reviewing patient records
- Gathering witness testimony from other residents or former employees
- Taking photographs to document any injuries your loved one has sustained
Connecticut has The Protective Services for the Elderly Program (PSE), which is designed to safeguard people 60 years and older from physical, mental and emotional abuse, neglect, abandonment, and /or financial abuse and exploitation. This includes allegations of abuse or neglect of residents in long-term care facilities. Whenever appropriate, Jim will assist families in contacting them to ensure your loved one is removed from this harmful environment as soon as possible. Jim Miron will also file a nursing home abuse lawsuit to hold all negligent parties accountable.
Contact our Bridgeport Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer
You can contact Attorney Jim Miron by clicking here or by calling 203.339.5991 today to schedule a complimentary consultation. Jim Miron proudly fights for justice for clients from Bridgeport, New Haven, Stamford, Waterbury and their surrounding communities throughout Connecticut.
