Signs of Jacksonville Nursing Home Abuse
Watching a beloved family member age is difficult for those who care most about them. When they are no longer able to live in their own home and care for themselves, a nursing home may become the only option. Despite the best of intentions and efforts, sometimes a nursing home is not the picture perfect environment it appears on the surface.
Types of Nursing Home Abuse
Nursing home abuse can appear in a wide variety of forms including:
- Physical abuse – which can range from withholding nutrition, inflicting pain or harm, failing to prevent bedsores, refusing basic hygiene care, or keeping necessary support items unavailable.
- Sexual abuse — any unwanted sexual advances or nonconsensual encounters. This can include any contact made with someone incapable of giving consent.
- Emotional abuse- this is causing emotional upset or harm, threatening, bullying, or otherwise causing fear and intimidation on the part of the elder.
- Financial abuse- this can occur if a caregiver has access to an elder’;s financial records and the ability to “dip into” funds without adequate supervision or recordkeeping.
- Prescription abuse- this can occur through the misadministration of prescriptions, by either giving too little medication, or giving too much…or not giving it at all.
- Fraud or Scams – this can occur through an assortment of illegal activities designed to induce elders to invest or pay money either to help an alleged “loved one in trouble” or prevent future harm.
Signs of Nursing Home Abuse
While not all evidence of nursing home abuse in Jacksonville, Florida can be seen, there are some things families should be aware of and look out for. The obvious ones are unexplained bruises or repeated injuries or falls. Less visible clues that should not be ignored may be decreased appetites, dehydration, clinginess, sadness, or fear. Unexplained financial changes should also create some suspicion. Bear in mind, an elderly person living in a nursing home may be afraid to tell you what is really going on, for fear of retribution and may claim everything is “fine” for your as well as their own protection.
What To Do If You Suspect Nursing Home Abuse
First, if you feel something is wrong or suspect abuse or neglect, contact the Florida Department of Elder Affairs at 1-800-96-ABUSE. You may also want help from an experienced attorney that can help your loved one and your family recover damages they may be entitled to. Contact Farah & Farah to discuss your elder’;s individual circumstances.
References:
http://elderaffairs.state.fl.us/doea/elderabuseprevention/Abuse%20Prevention%20Fact%20Sheet_web.pdf
http://elderaffairs.state.fl.us/doea/report_abuse.php
