Over 1.5 million seniors live in nursing homes. Although they are entitled to receive proper care, many suffer from serious abuse and neglect, including poor medical care, bad sanitation, and even physical and verbal abuse. When abuse and neglect occur, the loved ones of the abuse victim should take steps to end this conduct and enforce legal rights.

Nursing home residents have many rights. At a minimum, Federal law specifies that these rights include:

* Freedom from discrimination. Nursing homes cannot discriminate based on race, color, national origin, disability, age or religion.

* Respect. Residents have the right to be treated with dignity and respect.

• Freedom from abuse and neglect. Residents have the right to be free from verbal, sexual, physical, and mental abuse.

* Freedom from restraints. Physical or chemical restraints can’t be used, unless needed to treat medical symptoms.

* Medical care. Residents have the right to be informed about their medical condition, medications and to see their own doctor.

Types of Abuse

There are several different kinds of abuse, including:

• Physical abuse - inflicting pain, or threatening to inflict pain, on an elder.

• Emotional abuse - inflicting mental pain, anguish or distress on an elder through verbal or nonverbal acts.

• Neglect - refusal or failure by those responsible to provide proper care of the elder.

How To Spot Abuse And Neglect

There are many signs of possible abuse and neglect, including:

• bruises, broken bones, abrasions and burns may indicate physical abuse, neglect or mistreatment.

• Withdrawal from normal activities or unusual depression may be indicators of emotional abuse.

• Bedsores, poor hygiene and unusual weight loss may indicate possible neglect.

How We Can Help

If a loved one is in a nursing home and you suspect he or she is being abused or neglected, call us. We have handled many nursing home abuse cases and recovered significant damages for victims. We will investigate to determine if abuse or neglect occurred, and advise you of the legal options to end it as well as recover damages for it.

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