Your West Virginia family may face the need to place a loved one in a nursing facility due to a mental or physical condition that requires extensive, knowledgeable care. While many of these facilities provide excellent care and compassionate service for their patients, that is not always the case. Unfortunately, some nursing homes are guilty of neglect and other forms of elder abuse.
If you suspect that a loved one who lives in a nursing home is currently facing abuse of any kind or has in the past, you may act on his or her behalf. Elder abuse is inexcusable and reprehensible, and those responsible are liable for any emotional and physical trauma that occurs as a result.
Signs of elder abuse
There are various types of elder abuse, and some are more obvious than others. In fact, you may be completely unaware of what your loved one is experiencing, but there are telltale signs that could indicate a problem, including:
- Becoming suddenly withdrawn
- Unexplained bruises or injuries
- Bed sores
- Effects of medication mix-ups
- Depression
- Elopement attempts
- Evidence of negligent care
If you notice any of these signs, it may indicate that your loved one is experiencing mistreatment of some kind, whether it be verbal, emotional or physical.
Types of elder abuse
Sadly, many victims of elder abuse do not speak out because they are ashamed, confused or unaware that they are victims. Your loved one could be subjected to one or multiple types of elder abuse. Some of the most common include:
- Physical abuse
- Sexual abuse
- Financial abuse
- Neglect
- Emotional abuse
- Abandonment
Nursing homes are responsible for the health and well-being of the individuals who reside in their facilities. If they fail in their duty, even unintentionally, the nursing home owners, operators, care providers or other parties could be liable for what your loved one experienced.
Holding liable parties accountable
What can you do if you suspect that a loved one is a victim of elder abuse? You will find great benefit in seeking the assistance of an attorney who can determine what happened after a thorough investigation and clearly outline your legal options. You have the right to speak out on behalf of a loved who experienced mistreatment at the hands of others.
Elder abuse in any form is unacceptable, and if you suspect that it is occurring, you may be able to stop it and prevent it from happening again by taking legal action.
