World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (June 15) does not receive the same publicity as other days designed to heighten awareness. Yet, it is becoming that much more important as the population ages. Nursing home abuse will be directly in the spotlight in the years to come as the baby boomer age begin transitions out of houses and into nursing homes. Our Chicago elder abuse lawyer is here to help you and your loved one if subjected to mistreatment at the hands of others. Don’t wait to seek help.
Elder Abuse: What You Need to Know
Some signs of elder abuse are not clear-cut while others are highly visible. Do not assume your mother, father, aunt, uncle, grandparent, or other loved one is not suffering abuse simply because you have yet to find visible injuries. In many cases, the victim conceals the mistreatment due to shame or fear of additional abuse. In some cases, nursing home patients lack the mental capacity to report the abuse. They need help, but can’t ask for it.
Furthermore, abuse is not simply forms of physical harm. Neglect, mental abuse, and financial exploitation are illegal and should receive punishment. Yet, many may think that punishment in the form of jail time is not enough. Abusers should also have to compensate their victims in the form of financial restitution. If you notice any of the signs of elder abuse as detailed below, reach out to our Chicago elder abuse lawyer right away. We can put you and your loved one on the fast track to justice.
Signs of Elder Abuse
It is awfully disheartening that some caregivers are capable of neglecting nursing home residents. In some cases, nurses and others will intentionally neglect elderly patients. If you notice your loved one has bedsores, is malnourished, dehydrated, lives in unsanitary conditions, has poorly managed medications, or a medical condition that has not been addressed as promised, he or she is likely a victim of neglect.
Though it is hard to believe, nursing home residents are sometimes victims of financially exploitation by their supposed caregivers. Perform your due diligence when visiting your loved one. Determine if his or her checks and credit cards are in place, payments are made on time and in full, and that his or her bank account balance(s) are exactly as they should be.
If your loved one is wearing long sleeves and long pants seemingly out of nowhere, do not hesitate to ask him or her to roll up the sleeves and pant legs so you can look for signs of physical abuse. If you notice bruises, cuts, scratches, or any other sign of physical trauma, there is a good chance he or she is suffering abuse.
Some nursing home staff members are so callous they will psychologically abuse elderly patients simply because they can. Though this form of abuse is challenging to detect, it is possible to prove with the proper legal assistance. Significant changes in mind-state, excessive and unfounded fear(s), a worsening of a mental illness, and complaints of improper treatment are all indications of potential psychological abuse.
How to Proceed if You Suspect Your Loved One has Been Abused
The first step is to document your loved one’s condition and signs of abuse. Write down the details of the abuse and take pictures of injuries. If anyone witnessed the abuse, take witness statements in written form or with a video recording. The next step is to reach out to our Chicago elder abuse lawyer for assistance. We will help you compile the evidence necessary to prove the abuse actually occurred and obtain the appropriate compensation.
Furthermore, you must report the abuse to the institution that employs the offending nurse or other caregiver. If you fear retribution from the managers or owners of the institution and the abuse is significant, call 911 right away. Let the police investigate the abuse. They can then help determine the best course of action to protect your loved one from additional mistreatment.
Time is of the essence. Do not let your parent, grandparent, or other relative endure this abuse one day longer. Reach out for help. Put a stop to the abuse and your family will be that much closer to living in peace.
Our Chicago Elder Abuse Lawyer is on Your Side
If you are even slightly suspicious your loved one has suffered abuse while in a nursing home or another setting, it is time to take action. Reach out to our Chicago elder abuse lawyer at Lerner and Rowe Injury Attorneys so we can review the specifics of your case.
You can contact us by dialing 844-977-1900. Our office is open from 8am to 5pm. Yet, we are ready and waiting to take your call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can also reach us online through our website’s LiveChat feature. And the best part? You will not pay a penny unless our legal team wins your case. So, don’t wait. Call us today!