Nursing home abuse can cause significant physical and emotional damage to vulnerable residents and can even lead to their death. If you believe that you or a loved one has been abused in a Warren County nursing home, it is crucial that you report the abuse to the appropriate authorities promptly. You may also want to consult with an experienced Warren County nursing home abuse attorney who can guide you on pursuing compensation for losses resulting from the abuse.
If you or someone you care about has experienced abuse or neglect in a Warren County nursing home or assisted care facility, contact Gray & White Law today at 502-210-8942 | toll-free at 888-450-4456 to schedule a free consultation and learn more about how we can help.
Types of Abuse and Neglect in Kentucky Nursing Homes and Assisted Care Facilities
Nursing home residents who have suffered abuse or neglect have the right to file a nursing home abuse lawsuit to recover compensation for the harm they have suffered. The most common types of abuse and neglect seen in Kentucky nursing homes and assisted care facilities include:
- Physical Abuse: Including hitting, slapping, pushing, or any other physical action that causes harm or injury to an elderly resident. This type of abuse is often the most visible and apparent.
- Psychological Abuse: This type of abuse can be difficult to detect but just as damaging as physical abuse, and can include verbal abuse, intimidation, threats, or any other behavior that causes emotional distress or harm to a resident.
- Neglect/Negligence: Neglect or negligence occurs when a nursing home or assisted care facility fails to provide adequate care for its residents, including failing to provide food, water, medication, or basic hygiene needs.
- Financial Abuse: Financial abuse occurs when someone takes advantage of an elderly resident’s finances or assets. This can include stealing money or property, forging documents, or coercing the resident into giving them access to their finances.
- Sexual Abuse: Sexual abuse includes any unwanted sexual contact or behavior towards an elderly resident, including unwanted touching, sexual assault, or other sexual behavior without the resident’s consent.
Common Causes of Abuse and Neglect in Kentucky Senior Living Centers
Nursing home abuse occurs whenever the care provided by a nursing home or its staff results in a resident being harmed. Common causes of nursing home abuse and neglect include:
- Falls and Poor Facility Maintenance: Falls can occur when a facility fails to properly maintain its grounds or equipment, leading to dangerous conditions. Poor facility maintenance can also lead to unsanitary living conditions, contributing to neglect or infection.
- Medication Errors: Medication errors can occur when staff members fail to properly administer medication to residents, leading to dangerous drug interactions or other health problems.
- Understaffing: Understaffing can lead to a lack of attention and care for residents and increased stress and pressure on staff members.
- Improper Hygiene: Improper hygiene can contribute to the spread of infection and illness among residents, leading to neglect and other health problems.
Common Injuries Suffered As a Result of Nursing Home Abuse
As we age, we often rely on the care of nursing home staff to ensure our well-being and safety. Unfortunately, some seniors experience intentional or negligent harm at the hands of those who are supposed to care for them. Common injuries suffered as a result of nursing home abuse and neglect are as follows:
- Bedsores: Bedsores, also known as pressure ulcers, can occur when a resident is left in one position for too long without proper care. These sores can be extremely painful and lead to serious health problems if left untreated.
- Broken Bones and Bruises: Physical abuse can lead to broken bones, bruises, and other injuries that can be painful and debilitating for elderly residents.
- Malnutrition and Dehydration: Neglect or financial abuse can lead to malnutrition and dehydration, which can cause serious health problems and even death.
- Death: In extreme cases, abuse and neglect can lead to the death of an elderly resident.
Signs an Assisted Living Resident Has Been Abused or Neglected
When visiting a nursing home resident, family members and others should keep an eye out for warning signs of abuse or neglect, so they can help if something is not right. Some common warning signs that a nursing home resident has been abused include:
- Bruises or injuries
- Sudden weight loss
- Malnutrition or dehydration
- Poor hygiene
- Depression, anxiety, or withdrawal
- Changes in behavior or personality; and
- Unanticipated financial difficulties
If you suspect that your loved one is a victim of any abuse or neglect, you should report it to the appropriate authorities immediately, then speak with an experienced Warren County nursing home abuse attorney about how to hold those responsible accountable.
Our Warren County Nursing Home Abuse Attorneys Serve All of Kentucky. Contact Us Today!
If you or a loved one has been the victim of nursing home abuse or neglect in Kentucky, it is important that you seek legal assistance. Our experienced Warren County nursing home abuse attorneys are dedicated to fighting for the rights of vulnerable nursing home residents and holding negligent facilities accountable for their actions. Contact Gray & White Law today at 502-210-8942 | toll-free at 888-450-4456 to schedule a consultation and learn how we can help.