Signs Of Nursing Home Abuse - Legal Actions

You can learn a great deal from the older people in our lives but attempting to look after them can be challenging when they get to the level they can no longer care for themselves. This is the reason nursing homes and assisted care facilities exist and offer the around-the-clock professional care that the untrained cannot offer, at least not all the time.

Even so, some nursing homes aren't harmless and they can abuse the elderly. The elderly then become victims who can't or won't speak out about it, for fear. This is an extremely serious offense and must be addressed no matter what and in every case.

Senior Legal Rights:

The Nursing Home Reform Act of 1987, which was integrated into the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1987 (OBRA 1987) right after its inception, set down particular laws created to guarantee the protection, dignity and care of all elderly persons residing in publicly funded facilities. In addition, this law established a number of residents’ rights to which all involved must know and comply. This is a list of the rights related to this Act:

Patients of nursing homes have the right to:

* Be totally informed of all data regarding their lives, their care and the law as it relates to their lives and care
* Get involved in their day-to-day care, its design, scheduling and execution
* Make independent choices
* Privacy and confidentiality
* Dignity, respect and freedom
* Constant security of personal possessions
* Engage in transfer or discharge, providing that specific conditions are met, such as a 30-day notice of said transfer or discharge
* To complain and expect acceptable response from federal, state, municipal or facility administration, in government, health care, social security, and other relevant aspects covering their lives.
* Ongoing visitations from loved ones, legal counsel, health care practitioners, chosen friends, ombudsmen, and other officials as necessary

Signs And Indications of Abuse or Neglect:

Down below is a list of standard signs or indicators of possible abuse and/or neglect. Those concerned should keep their eyes open.

* Physical injuries, including bruising, broken bones, scars, cuts, and bed sores (also known as ‘pressure ulcers’)
* Strange or unordinary behavior of elderly residents
* Lack of food and/or water
* Insufficient bathing amenities or opportunities, in conjunction with available supplies, like shampoo and soap, and ongoing assistance for those who need aid bathing, eating, dressing, walking, etc.
* Soiled/unchanged underclothes
* Verbal abuse
* Unclean facilities, for instance the bathroom and kitchen areas
* Smells in the bed and clothes
* Dirty hair and nails
* Unexplained weight change (especially loss)

How To Protect Your Loved Ones:

If you are worried about your family member being possibly abused in a nursing home, there are lots of routes you can take to protect them. It's to your advantage to contact a personal injury lawyer immediately to ensure your relative is fully protected by the law. The life and wellness of your family member might just depend on it.