What You Shouldn’t Believe About Nursing Home Abuse
Posted by Adam R. Leighton on May 1, 2022 in Uncategorized | Comments Off on What You Shouldn’t Believe About Nursing Home AbuseNursing Home Abuse Lawyer
Many people who place their family members in nursing homes never imagine for them to suffer abuse. Unfortunately, however, it can happen. Nursing home abuse is still widely misunderstood, and that may be why some don’t pursue legal claims against nursing homes.
Here are some misconceptions about nursing home abuse that you shouldn’t believe.
Nursing Home Abuse Occurs Because Caregivers Are Overworked
While many nursing home staff members work long hours and experience stress, that’s still no excuse to mistreat residents. Even if staff members are stressed, they should still do their best to provide excellent care to residents. Nursing homes should staff properly to prevent their staff members from experiencing burnout.
Nursing Home Abuse Is Often Violent
Some nursing home residents may suffer physical abuse, such as punching, kicking and slapping. However, abuse can take many other forms that are not always violent. For example, if there’s an understaffing issue or caregivers have not been properly trained, residents may suffer neglect. Some staff members may emotionally abuse residents by intimidating them or calling them hurtful names. Every form of nursing home abuse is harmful and shouldn’t be tolerated.
Physical Abuse Is Always Obvious
This is not necessarily true. While bruises and cuts may be obvious, other physical injuries may be invisible. For example, if a staff member violently twists a resident’s arm, there may not be a mark. Additionally, some people may assume bruises are caused by age-related problems, such as a higher risk of falls.
That is why it is important to notice other signs of possible abuse. If your family member seems emotionally withdrawn and more sad than usual, it is possible that he or she is being mistreated.
Nursing Home Residents Report Abuse
Unfortunately, this is not always the case. Oftentimes, nursing home residents are too ashamed to report abuse and just keep quiet. They may even receive threats from their abuse, so they are afraid to speak up.
Abuse Only Happens in Nursing Homes
While elder abuse frequently occurs in nursing homes, it can also take place in other types of settings. Elderly people may suffer abuse in adult living facilities, senior living communities and even in their own home.
If you believe your family member is being mistreated in a nursing home, contact a nursing home abuse lawyer, like one from Disparti Law Group.