Many South Carolinians rely on nursing homes and long-term care facilities to look after loved ones who need help caring for themselves. When family members can’t meet the medical and physical needs of elderly or disabled loved ones, a good nursing home can be a godsend.
Unfortunately, some patients suffer preventable or intentional harm in these facilities. According to the National Council on Aging (NCOA), an estimated 10 percent of Americans aged 60 and older have endured some type of elder abuse. Many experts suggest the true rate of elder abuse is likely much higher since it is difficult to detect and often goes unreported.
If you have reason to believe that your loved one may be a victim of nursing home abuse, you may be unsure where to turn for help. At Joye Law Firm, we have zero tolerance for elder abuse or neglect. Our Summerville nursing home abuse lawyers stand ready to take action on your behalf. Call us today at (888) 324-3100 or contact us online to discuss the details of your situation in a free initial consultation.
What Is Nursing Home Abuse?
Many South Carolina nursing homes provide residents with excellent care, but sadly, this is not always the case. In some facilities, heartbreaking nursing home abuse and neglect occur when caretakers cause intentional or accidental harm to long-term residents.
Some nursing home residents experience unconscionable abuse at the hands of malicious staff members. However, abuse and neglect also occur as a side effect of a facility’s inadequate staffing or unsafe policies. Negligent staff members and administrators who abuse or take advantage of vulnerable residents can be held liable for nursing home abuse and neglect.
Signs and Types of Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect in Summerville
Unfortunately, there are many types of nursing home abuse and neglect, some of which are more difficult to detect than others. Here are some of the most common types of nursing home abuse in Summerville and the signs to watch out for.
Physical abuse
Physical abuse occurs when nursing home staff intentionally cause residents physical harm. Common types of physical abuse include slapping, kicking, shaking, and unnecessarily physically restraining residents.
Signs of physical abuse include the following:
- Unexplained welts or lacerations
- Bruises from physical restraints
- Bone fractures
- Caregivers refusing to leave patients alone with family
Neglect
Neglect occurs when nursing home staff fail to ensure residents have the basic care or living essentials they need. Common types of neglect include withholding meals, ignoring medical needs, and failing to maintain basic hygiene.
Some signs of neglect are:
- Lack of heat or clean water
- Inadequate bathing or dressing
- Dirty or messy living conditions
- Bedsores, dehydration, and weight loss
Emotional abuse
Emotional abuse occurs when nursing home staff say or do anything with the intention of causing residents emotional or psychological harm. Common types of emotional abuse include bullying, threatening, humiliation, and isolation from others.
The following are some signs of emotional abuse:
- Unusual rocking or muttering
- Sudden fearfulness or anxiety
- Withdrawal, depression, and agitation
- Controlling caregiver attitudes
Financial exploitation
Financial exploitation occurs when nursing home staff abuse their access to a resident to steal the resident’s assets. Common types of financial exploitation include identity theft, stealing valuables, and using a resident’s money to make unauthorized purchases.
Signs of financial abuse include:
- Unusual charges for unknown services
- Lack of necessary medication or care
- Missing valuables or cash
- Duplicate bills for treatment
Sexual abuse
Sexual abuse occurs when nursing home staff expose residents to explicit content or unwanted sexual contact. Common types of sexual abuse include unwanted touching or exposure, forced nudity, and unwanted sex acts.
Signs of sexual abuse include:
- Unexplained STDs or urogenital infections
- Stained or torn undergarments
- Bruising or injuries around the breasts, genitals, or anus
