As the demographics in the United States shifts drastically as baby boomers near retirement, our senior population is expected to grow quickly. Although many senior citizens who live independently are quite capable of taking care of themselves, over time they may become more dependent on others for care.
When a loved one can no longer take care of themselves due to declining health and needs constant care they are potentially vulnerable to physical and emotional abuse at the hands of their caregiver. It is at this stage that it is very important to protect loved ones from harm and look out for them, particularly when they are in a nursing home.
Putting a loved in a nursing home, as well as actually living in a nursing home, may feel like an unusual experience. Family members of the elderly person may not necessarily know what is and is not normal. Thus, it is important to be aware of signs of abuse, to take action and hold accountable those who inflict harm. Some signs of abuse may include bedsores, falls, errors in medication, dehydration, over medication and sudden changes in a loved one’s emotions, such as withdrawal and depression.
However, simply because a family member in a nursing home is exhibiting these signs that doesn’t automatically mean that they are suffering abuse. At Konicek & Dillion P.C. we have experience in handling nursing home neglect cases. We attempt to evaluate the facts of a case and ensure that if a family member has suffered physical and emotional abuse at a nursing home facility that we work within the legal framework to hold the nursing home and staff accountable for their actions.
