“I would never put you in a nursing home!” It is a promise many of us make, but it can be impossible to keep. The hard to accept reality is, one-third of Americans who reach age 65 will need some degree of nursing home care during their lifetimes. Nursing homes are not just for the bed-ridden elderly. In addition to long-term skilled nursing care, most facilities also provide rehabilitation and therapy to those who, due to an unexpected accident, injury, or hospitalization require daily physical, occupational, or other skilled therapies in hopes of regaining their strength, mobility, or other function and returning home. For many, a short-term admission is a necessary step towards a return to normal life. However, regardless of the reason for the admission, or whether it is intended as short or long term, many American families have no other option – they have a loved one in need of round-the-clock care, therapy, monitoring, or assistance, which they are unable to provide at home due to their own medical needs, physical restrictions, careers, children, finances, housing accommodations or specifications, or a lack of proper training or equipment. Simply put, that promise to never put them in a nursing home is quickly broken when there are no other reasonable nor realistic options.
Facilities advertise personalized, compassionate, and professional round-the-clock care, which is what we expect our loved ones to receive. Sadly, abuse and neglect within skilled nursing and long-term care is rampant. These large, for-profit facilities are owned and operated by corporations that force facilities to operate under budgetary restrictions that make proper management, hiring, and training impossible while their owner and officers make millions. Abuse and neglect are happening far to often, leading to serious injuries, emotional trauma, and even death. The lasting effects from such abuse and neglect take many forms and affect both the victims and their families.
Warning Signs of Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect
Most cases of nursing home abuse and neglect go unnoticed because victims are unable—or too afraid—to speak up. However, you can help protect your loved one by watching for these warning signs:
- Unexplained injuries (bruises, fractures, or bedsores) especially with no written report or follow up with a medical doctor.
- Sudden weight loss or dehydration
- Poor hygiene and unsanitary conditions
- Changes in behavior (anxiety, fear, and withdrawal)
- Overmedication or signs of sedation
Neglect can be just as harmful as physical abuse, often resulting in infections, falls, or untreated medical conditions that can lead to horrible pain for the victim and in severe cases loss of life.
Options for Nursing Home Abuse Victims and Their Families
If your loved one has been a victim of abuse or neglect, there is value in consulting with an Atlanta nursing home abuse lawyer who can review the specific details and circumstances surrounding the suspected mistreatment—and determine whether legal action can be taken to hold the facility, and its management, accountable.
The Georgia statute of limitations is strict, meaning victims and their families have a limited time to take legal action. In most cases, an elder abuse claim must be filed within two years. However, these cases are complex, and it takes time to obtain the necessary records and evidence. If you think your loved one has suffered abuse or neglect in a Georgia skilled nursing or long-term care facility, it is critical that you immediately contact a skilled and experienced attorney.
How to Protect Your Loved One
The most effective way to safeguard your loved one’s care in long-term facilities is to be present, attentive, engaged in their daily life, and active in their plan of care. It is important to not only visit frequently, but unannounced. If you have concerns, or see something concerning, speak up and ask questions. Document the day/time, who you spoke with, and gather evidence through photographs, videos, or written communication. Everyone’s lives are busy, and family dynamics can make this challenging, but research has shown that only 1 out of every 25 instances of nursing home abuse is reported.
For those who have been affected by nursing home abuse or neglect, our hearts go out to you and your family. These cases are complex and require specialized knowledge and skill. At Southside Injury Attorneys, we have experience navigating these matters and welcome the opportunity to evaluate your case. Call Southside Injury Attorneys for a free consultation and visit our Atlanta nursing home abuse attorney page.
