Nursing homes are supposed to be safe places where residents can get the medical care and personalized attention they need. But some nursing home residents in Oklahoma face serious risks due to abuse and neglect.
A survey of nursing home residents in the U.S. found that 44 percent reported being abused at some point while living in a care facility, and 95 percent of residents reported witnessing another resident being neglected. Nursing home abuse and neglect are all too common in care facilities throughout the nation and the state, and it’s our goal as nursing home abuse lawyers in Oklahoma to give victims and their loved ones the legal representation they deserve.
What Are the Most Common Types of Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect?
The National Center on Elder Abuse says there are six types of abuse that occur due to negligent care providers and nursing homes. They include:
- Physical abuse—Types of physical abuse include hitting, shaking, pushing, and improperly restraining residents.
- Sexual abuse—Nursing home residents are at risk of sexual abuse, including inappropriate touching, sexual harassment, and rape.
- Emotional abuse—Staff members may verbally and emotionally abuse residents via insults, threats, yelling, and shaming.
- Neglect—Neglect is a type of abuse, and it occurs in nursing homes when residents don’t get the care and attention they deserve, including food, water, medication, and access to daily hygiene tasks.
- Abandonment—Abandonment can occur when staff members leave residents in their rooms, common areas, or in public for long periods of time or indefinitely.
- Financial abuse—Some residents are victims of theft, fraud, and financial manipulation, including being convinced to write checks to staff members or institutions or to transfer money out of their bank accounts.
It’s important to always be on the lookout for signs of abuse and neglect when you visit your loved one in his or her nursing home. Mistreatment can occur at any time, and your loved one may not tell you about what’s taking place due to shame or fear of retaliation.
Suspect Your Loved One Is Being Abused or Neglected? Get a Lawyer Today.
Nursing homes are subject to strict rules, regulations, and laws. Accusing a nursing home or staff member of abuse or neglect is a serious allegation, and it may involve an investigation by law enforcement. That’s why it’s important to speak with a nursing home abuse lawyer first to protect the rights of you and your loved one.
At Parrish DeVaughn Injury Lawyers, our Oklahoma nursing home abuse attorneys know what to look for when investigating and building nursing home mistreatment claims. Let us put our experience to work for you and your loved one. Call today for a free consultation to find out how we can help your family.