Las Vegas Nursing Home Neglect
Las Vegas, with its nightlife and entertaining lifestyle, is more commonly known as a place to go for fun, not because of the growing population who need care at nursing homes due to its aging. However, the reality is that many abuses are going on and targeting a lot of these vulnerable people in nursing homes. This is everything that this blog post has been able to tell you about the frequency, alert, and even methods in which an acelawgroup.com abuse lawyer can make available assistance.
The Scope of Nursing Home Abuse
Nursing home abuse is a significant yet underreported issue throughout the country and Las Vegas has not remained unscathed. The National Center on Elder Abuse estimates that 1 in 10 elderly individuals are victims of elder abuse, most of which goes unreported. Understaffing and lack of proper training and regulation at some facilities are contributing to the issue.
Types of Nursing Home Abuse
It is important to recognize the different types of nursing home abuses that exist so we can prevent them.
Physical Abuse:
These include any application of physical force that causes injury, pain, or other harm. These could include physical abuse such as bruises, fractures, or burns; neglect (not being taken of properly), and other injury with an unknown cause.
Emotional Abuse:
It includes verbal attacks, threats, humiliation, or harassment. Victims may present as more depressed, anxious, and avoidant with fears.
Sexual Abuse:
It includes any non-consensual sexual contact with an elderly person. This type of abuse may result in genital bruising, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), or behavior changes.
Neglect:
This can be due to neglect, where the caregivers do not fulfill their obligations which causes harm or distress. Symptomatic signs such as malnourishment, dehydration, bedsores, and others of poor hygiene.
Financial Abuse:
Abuse, also known as financial exploitation is defined as the illegal or improper use of a vulnerable elder’s funds, property, or assets. Such actions are likely to manifest in several aspects, e.g. unlawful withdrawals from bank accounts and manipulation of wills as well as inexplicable accumulation or loss into financial transactions.
Healthcare Fraud and Abuse:
This can be done by overbilling the services, treating those that are not needed or billing for services never performed. That can include over- or under-medicating.
What to Do if You Suspect Abuse
If you believe a family member is the victim of abuse in a nursing home, it is important to act quickly:
Document Evidence:
Document any evidence of abuse, with dates, times, and details Photographs of Injuries and Dangerous Conditions Can Carry a lot of Weight
Report the Abuse:
Contact the Nevada Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program, which advocates for those in nursing homes and investigates complaints. You can also report abuse to Adult Protective Services and/or your local law enforcement.
Seek Medical Attention:
Seek medical attention for any existing injuries or health problems to the victim as a result of the abuse.
Consult with an Attorney:
Please contact an experienced nursing home abuse lawyer for help filing a lawsuit. A skilled attorney can navigate the nuances of elder abuse laws to ensure that justice is served and compensation is achieved.
Nursing home abuse is a serious problem that needs attention, and resolution. Recognize the signs, report quickly, and take action to prevent abuse and work together towards care standards that protect elderly Las Vegas residents with the respect, and dignity they should receive. If your loved one is a victim of nursing home abuse, you are urged to take action immediately for them to remain safe and preserve their overall health.
