Physical Abuse of Nursing Home Residents

The decision to admit a loved one to a nursing home is never easy. We want what is best for our elderly family members, and weighing the need for care against the loss of independence is emotional. Once the decision has been made, then, it is upsetting and infuriating to discover abuse.

If you believe your loved one may be the victim of nursing home abuse, please contact the Steinberg Law Firm today at 843-720-2800 to schedule your free consultation with a South Carolina physical abuse attorney.

What is nursing home abuse?

Nursing home abuse is any type of physical, sexual, emotional, or financial abuse that a resident of a nursing home experiences while in the care of the facility. While financial and emotional abuse are intolerable, such cases can sometimes go unnoticed due to a lack of immediately apparent signs and symptoms. But in the case of physical and sexual abuse, the warning signs may be right in front of us if we are paying attention.

Common injuries and symptoms
The most common types of injuries and symptoms experienced by victims of physical and sexual abuse in nursing homes include the following:

• Broken, fractured, or dislocated bones
• Suspicious bruises, scars, or welts, especially those that appear on both sides of the body.
• Broken eyeglasses or other personal belongings
• Drug overdoses or refusal to take medication
• Rope marks on wrists suggestive of restraint

Physical abuse is never acceptable, and if a caregiver ever denies your request to spend time alone with your loved one, you should suspect abuse. They may be trying to hide something.

How nursing homes are responsible and accountable

South Carolina has established a residents’ bill of rights for patients of nursing homes, which protects those in long term care. Nursing home administrators and staff should be fully aware of the responsibility they have to care for your loved one. Specifically, the bill of rights requires that long term care facilities:

• Provide adequate quality of life for residents.
• Provide residents proper services and activities.
• Allow residents and their advocates to participate in administration.
• Afford ombudsmen sufficient access to nursing home programs.

Nursing home caretakers have a responsibility to treat elderly residents with care and understanding. That means no unnecessary physical restraint, no shaking, no squeezing or pinching, and no harm.

Personal Injury Lawyers Representing Charleston & nearby areas of South Carolina

If you suspect that your loved one may be suffering from physical abuse while in the care of a long term care facility, it’s time to take action and prevent further damage. Please contact the Steinberg Law Firm today at 843-720-2800 to schedule your free consultation with one of our South Carolina physical abuse lawyers.