Few things in life profoundly touch one’s heart more than learning that an elderly person has suffered abuse or neglect at the hands of another. Sadly, there are instances of such abuse happening on a regular and frequent basis in New Jersey, as well as other parts of the country. In many cases, an attorney should be contacted on the elderly person’s behalf. This type of abuse can occur in various forms and levels, and it would behoove the general public to become aware of the signs of elderly and nursing home abuse. If the public does become more aware, perhaps the incidence of abuse will decline.
A common signal that something is wrong is a sudden change in the elderly person’s normal behavior patterns. Perhaps the individual has always had a gregarious, outgoing personality. But suddenly, the elderly person now seems withdrawn, fearful and unwilling to communicate. This can be an indication of potential mental abuse the patient may be suffering from staff members or other residents. If you notice rudeness or derogatory comments from the staff about the elderly person, this can also be a sign that should be noted. An attorney should be contacted if you suspect that an elderly New Jersey resident is the victim of nursing home abuse.
In addition to mental abuse, other forms of reprehensible treatment of seniors may fall into the categories of physical abuse and neglect. If an aged person has bruises, cuts, or burns on his skin that developed while in the facility, it is highly possible that this is a case of nursing home abuse. Bed sores, the appearance of malnutrition and horrible smells of urine should always be triggers that indicate neglect is at the core.
If an elderly nursing home patient is experiencing missing items and property, including money, a New Jersey elderly abuse attorney should be brought into the case to ensure that the senior’s rights and property are protected. Nursing home residents do not give up their rights simply because they are living in such a facility. Learn the signs of abuse and neglect to help ensure that our seniors survive and thrive in their latter years.
What Should I Know about Nursing Home Abuse?
Federal and laws in New Jersey grant specific rights to nursing home residents. These laws state that nursing homes must provide care and services “to attain and maintain the highest practicable physical, mental, and psychosocial well-being of each resident”.
By law, nursing homes must complete a comprehensive assessment for each new resident within two weeks of admission. The home must also develop a plan of care for each resident. Residents can permit family members to help develop the care plan. Unfortunately, some nursing homes may only partially follow the care plan or ignore it completely.
What Can I Do about Nursing Home Abuse?
Involve yourself from the beginning by:
- Participating in forming the care plan
- Visiting the resident often and at various times
- Keeping a list of staff names
- Communicating with the resident and the staff
What Should I Watch For?
Neglect can appear as:
- Unnecessary physical or chemical restraint
- Malnutrition or dehydration
- Improper or over-medication
- Insufficient staff or supervision
- Injury or weight change
- Bedsores
- Poor resident hygiene
- Sexual assault
- Defective equipment
- Wandering
- Unexpected death
Who Can I Contact to Report Nursing Home Abuse in New Jersey
- Immediately notify the nursing home administrator.
- Notify the State Office of the Ombudsman.
- Contact an attorney who specializes in nursing home abuse cases.
How Do I Know If There Is A Claim?
If the alleged nursing home abuse occurred in New Jersey you can call the law firm Bagolie Friedman to speak to an attorney for a free consultation. There is no legal fee unless we obtain money for you. We are dedicated to serving those how have been injured through no fault of there own.
