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Types of Nursing Home Abuse in Georgia

Types of Nursing Home Abuse in Georgia

Those who place their loved ones in nursing homes expect them to be properly cared for. Unfortunately, these facilities often fail to provide adequate care and may even abuse residents in various ways. Family members often fail to recognize the signs their elderly loved ones may be victims of abuse, as not all of them are physical. There are several common types of nursing home abuse those in Georgia should be aware of to protect loved ones living in these elder care facilities.

How Common is Nursing Home Abuse?

According to the World Health Organization, rates of abuse in the elderly have increased since the COVID-19 pandemic began. As of October 2021, two in three staff members have reported committing abuse in nursing homes over the past year. Approximately 17% of those age 60 and older have been victims of some type of abuse during the same time period, which equates to 17 out of every 100 people. This is a real and growing problem in the United States today.

Common Types of Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect

While some forms of abuse are physical, others are emotional, financial, or even sexual. Unfortunately, many residents living in nursing home facilities experience more than one type of abuse. Some of the most common include:

Physical Abuse

Some victims are subject to being slapped, shaken, or even kicked by those who supposed to provide care for them. Residents who are unwillingly restrained are physically abused. Some of the symptoms that may result from physical abuse include:

  • Bruises

  • Burns

  • Fractures

  • Abrasions

  • Head injuries

  • Joint dislocation

  • Internal injuries

Psychological and Emotional Abuse

Emotional abuse occurs when a resident's self-esteem is reduced by an intentional act of nursing home staff members who may insult, humiliate, isolate, or scream at the victim. Staff may also commit psychological abuse when they attempt to intimidate or isolate a nursing home resident. Emotional abuse can cause emotional distress such as fear, confusion, and agitation in those who are abused.

Sexual Abuse

Sadly, sexual abuse is one of the most common types of nursing home abuse in the country. This type of abuse includes any sexual contact that is intentional and unwanted. A resident may be sodomized, sexually assaulted, forced into nudity in front of others, or made to view pornography. Nursing home residents are often on medications or disabled physically, making them an easier target for those in authority positions. Those whose loved ones have been sexually abused in a nursing home may want to consider speaking with an experienced personal injury attorney.

Neglect

Nursing home residents are often neglected, and when that neglect involves leaving a resident lying or sitting in the same position for a prolonged period of time, can result in pressure (bed) sores. Other examples of neglect in residential care facilities include failing to provide medication or therapy, food, nutrition, and other care. Residents who are left unattended or alone for long periods of time or who are not routinely bathed are victims of neglect. Staff members often neglect to provide for hygienic needs or help residents change into clean clothes. There are countless ways nursing home residents may be neglected.

Financial Abuse

Elderly nursing home residents are often exploited financially, as they are often easy targets for staff who want to take advantage of them. Those who are elderly can easily be scammed into giving their life savings to a staff member who takes advantage of their financial circumstances. Nursing home staff members may steal a resident's jewelry or other valuables, forge signatures, cash checks without approval, or even commit identity theft. Health care fraud is another form of financial abuse that frequently takes place in nursing homes. Signs of financial abuse may include:

  • Forged checks

  • Identity theft

  • Missing jewelry, cash, or other valuable possessions

  • Credit card purchases that are unexplained

  • Unexplained withdrawals from bank accounts

  • Health care fraud (being billed for medical services not provided)

Medical Abuse and Neglect

Residents are often neglected in terms of their medical care. As mentioned earlier, those who are not turned in their beds or who are left sitting in the same position for a prolonged period may develop bed sores. Other types of medical neglect include medication errors, secondary infections, and illnesses that go undiagnosed or untreated.

How a Personal Injury Attorney Can Help

Personal injury attorneys who are experienced in nursing home abuse and neglect know all too well the types of nursing home abuse that occur every day in facilities throughout Georgia and the United States. Victims may want to consider scheduling a consultation with a nursing home abuse lawyer who will advocate on their behalf and hold those responsible accountable for their actions.


About the Author:

Hall & Lampros, LLP


With over $400 million recovered, Hall & Lampros is an Atlanta, Georgia law firm that has the principals, experience, skill, resources, and desire to provide the best representation available. If you or a loved one has been injured or wronged, we are prepared to build a case that explains why you deserve compensation. Our team knows how to maximize your recovery so you can begin to rebuild and take your life back after a major accident or legal dispute. Our firm focuses on these key areas: Personal Injury, Employment Law, Class Actions. Contact Hall & Lampros, LLP at 404-876-8100 now to receive your complimentary consultation.Find Hall & Lampros, LLP Onlinehttps://lawsuit.com/listing/hall-lampros-llp/https://lawyers.uslegal.com/attorney/hall-and-lampros-llp-38647034/https://lawyers.lawyerlegion.com/georgia/christopher-hall-04038334https://www.mylegalpractice.com/hall-lampros-llp-15935.htmlhttps://www.dilawctory.com/hall-lampros-llp-29604.htmlhttps://www.hg.org/attorney/hall-and-lampros-llp/119662Hall... View full business profile here: Hall & Lampros, LLP





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