EDMONTON ELDER ABUSE LAWYER
No one deserves to be a victim of nursing home abuse. Unfortunately, this type of mistreatment is all too common in nursing homes across the country.
Nursing home abuse is a serious and growing problem in the United States. According to the National Center on Elder Abuse, between one and two million Americans age 65 or older have been victims of abuse in their nursing homes. It is estimated that one in every three nursing home residents experience some form of abuse. This abuse can take many forms, ranging from physical, mental, or emotional abuse to financial exploitation.
Unfortunately, many victims are unable to speak up for themselves or are afraid to do so. This is why it’s important for loved ones to be aware of the signs and to take action. Signs of distress can include bruises, bed sores, weight loss, changes in behavior, and more.
EDMONTON NURSING HOME MISTREATMENT
Nursing home mistreatment is a problem in Canada, including in Alberta.
When a resident is the victim of nursing home abuse, it can be difficult to know where to turn for help. An elder care lawyer can provide assistance to those who have been abused in a nursing home. An elder law attorney can help to investigate the situation and hold the accountable. They can help to protect the rights of the resident and ensure that they receive the compensation they deserve.
If you, or a loved one, has been a victim due to the negligence of an employee or owner of a nursing home, you may be able to recover compensation.
DIFFERENT TYPES OF ABUSE
The law classifies nursing home abuse into five categories: physical, emotional, sexual, abandonment and neglect, and financial abuse.
PHYSICAL
This distress is physical force or physical punishment in a way that is excessively harmful or cruel to a nursing home resident. This can also include the improper use of a physical device to restrain or cause pain.
EMOTIONAL
This is the inappropriate verbal or nonverbal communication by staff members that inflicts pain, distress, or anguish on a nursing home resident. This can comprise but is not limited to yelling at, threatening, humiliating, or verbally abusing a resident.
SEXUAL
This is the non-consensual sexual contact of an institutionalized person by an employee, resident, or another person. This includes inappropriate touching, fondling, or forced sexual activity.
ABANDONMENT AND NEGLIGENCE
FINANCIAL
This is the illegal use of a nursing home resident’s money or property. This includes, but is not limited to, stealing, misusing, or mishandling the resident’s money or property.
SIGNS OF NURSING HOME ABUSE
Here are several physical and psychological signs that your elderly loved ones have been abused.
- Mood swings
- Hovering caregivers who do not allow a family to be alone with their loved one
- Emotional outbursts
- Unkempt physical appearance
- Broken bones and fractures
- Bedsores
- Frequent infections and open wounds
- Sudden and unexplainable weight loss
- Bruises and cuts
- Dehydration signs, such as dark urine, dry skin, sunken eyes, fatigue, and rapid breathing
- Signs of poor hygiene, such as a foul odour, dirty hair and skin, and soiled clothing
- Reclusiveness and refusal to speak
- Refusal to eat
- Refusal to take medications
- Changes in mental health
- Missing funds and unexplained asset loss
WHAT ARE THE BEST WAYS TO PREVENT?
1. Ensure proper staffing of qualified nursing home staff: In order to prevent elder abuse and neglect in a nursing home, it is important to ensure that the facility is adequately staffed with qualified, trained personnel. This includes nurses, certified nursing assistants, and other support staff.
2. Establish and enforce strict policies and procedures: Nursing homes should have strict policies and procedures in place to ensure that all staff members are aware of their roles and responsibilities when it comes to preventing and responding to elder abuse and neglect.
3. Develop a culture of respect: Abuse and neglect can be prevented by creating a culture of respect within the nursing home. This can be achieved through staff training, resident education, and communication with families.
4. Provide regular monitoring and follow–up: Regular monitoring and follow–up of residents should be conducted to ensure that abuse or neglect is not occurring. This may include monitoring of staff–resident interactions, conducting periodic interviews with residents, and conducting surprise visits to the facility.
5. Promote resident engagement and involvement: Residents should be encouraged to participate in activities and take part in decision–making in the facility. This not only helps prevent elder abuse and neglect, but it also helps to promote a sense of independence and autonomy among residents.
6. Make use of technology: Technology can be used to help monitor and detect elder abuse and neglect. This may include the use of cameras, sensors, and other monitoring devices.
7. Promote community awareness: It is important to educate the public about elder abuse and neglect. This can be done through public service announcements, community events, and other outreach efforts.
WHY CHOOSE SIDHU PERSONAL INJURY LAWYERS?
Our clients select the Sidhu Personal Injury Lawyers Edmonton for their elder abuse claims due to our compassion, tenacity, and significant litigation experience.
Our elder abuse attorneys are highly experienced and dedicated to the practice of personal injury litigation. We take fulfillment in providing the most satisfactory results possible for all of our clients. We understand that each case is different, and we are here to help you no matter what your circumstances are.
CONTACT OUR EDMONTON ELDER CARE LAWYER TO FILE A CLAIM
Our experienced and compassionate Edmonton personal injury lawyers are ready to help. Contact us today!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Some residents complain of the food not tasting or of a particular flavour. In addition, the meals may leave residents feeling hungry within a few hours of eating. This can originate from constipation, dehydration, and malnutrition.
Slow responses to calls
Elderly residents living in nursing homes need assistance with activities of daily living, such as bathing and eating. They should be able to call for help when they need it. However, residents may feel neglected if a nursing home takes too long to respond to these calls. This can lead to additional health problems.
Staffing issues
Nursing homes may be unable to provide adequate staffing levels, especially during the evenings and nights. This can cause delays in response times, making it difficult for residents to receive the care they need.
