CALIFORNIA CRIMINAL LAWYERS

Los Angeles Nursing Home Abuse

Protecting Your Loved Ones: The Different Kinds of Nursing Home Abuse

When you entrust someone you love to the care of a nursing home, you trust that their well-being is in the hands of the staff. Unfortunately, sometimes staff members might abuse residents instead of providing the care that they need. There are different types of nursing home abuse. You deserve justice, and with the help of an attorney, you can make sure that your family receives it.

Physical Abuse

One of the worst forms of abuse that can occur in a nursing home is physical abuse. When staff members intentionally hit a resident with an object or a hand, this is physical abuse. It could be a light hit that won’t leave a bruise, which is often undiscovered until there is a broken bone or bruise from repetitive hitting. Other forms of physical abuse may include biting, scratching, or shoving the resident while walking.

Restraints are sometimes used inappropriately as well, leading to injuries on the skin. Some staff members might restrict a patient so severely that they can’t move while in the bed or a chair. Physical abuse may sometimes cause evident signs like bruises of an unknown origin, pain in an area of the body where there shouldn’t be any pain, or scratches that are not explained.

Emotional Abuse

Nursing home staff might make residents feel unwanted or think that it’s their fault that they are in the nursing home—this is emotional abuse. Staff members may humiliate residents because of their clothes or their inability to do basic tasks like feeding or bathing. At times, the staff might threaten the residents to prevent them from talking about the abuse with other patients. Blaming a resident for an accident is also considered emotional abuse.

Financial Abuse

When nursing home workers have access to the finances of residents, financial abuse might occur. Money may have been left in a drawer or wallet, or the resident may have a debit card for essential items for their care. Sadly, the staff members might take the resident’s money, which was meant for their care, for their own gain.

Punishments

In California, nursing home abuse can either be a misdemeanor or a felony depending upon the severity. Misdemeanors might result in fines of up to $6,000 or even a jail sentence of one year. If charged with a felony, the offender could spend four or more years in prison, based on the victim’s age.

Help From An Attorney

If a person has been charged with nursing home abuse, they can seek an attorney’s help to lower the charges. Attorneys review the presented evidence to determine if it was intentional or accidental.

If you suspect nursing home abuse, it’s essential to take pictures of any bruises to provide to your attorney. Medical statements from a doctor should also be supplied. Compensation for the medical bills, as well as pain and suffering, can be filed in the case.

Table of different kinds of nursing home abuse:

| Type of Abuse | Definition |
|—————–|——————————————————————————————————————————–|
| Physical Abuse | When a worker intentionally harms the resident with the use of physical force such as hitting or causing unwarranted physical pain |
| Emotional Abuse | When a resident is subjected to humiliation or insult by the staff, leading to emotional distress. |
| Financial Abuse | When a staff member steals the resident’s money that was meant for their care or use. |

How Can You Help Prevent Nursing Home Abuse?

It is essential to be vigilant in ensuring that your loved ones are well-treated while in nursing homes. Here are a few ways to help:

1. Research nursing homes before choosing one.

Before placing your loved one in a nursing facility, conduct thorough research on potential nursing homes. Check their websites and reviews to ensure that their staff and administration are reputable with no history of abuse.

2. Visit your loved one regularly.

Schedule regular visits and be a frequent advocate for your loved one. Checking in on them, and keeping an eye out for any bruises or emotional distress is important. Regular communication with the staff also ensures that they know that someone is watching out for the resident’s well-being.

3. Get to know the staff.

Building a relationship with the staff helps in identifying potential abuse signs. Also, by building rapport, you can keep an open line of communication with the nursing home staff and promptly report any inappropriate behavior.

4. Attend care meetings.

Attending care plan meetings ensures that you are up-to-date on the care provided to your loved one. It also helps in addressing any concerns or incidents that might have occurred between any other care team and your loved one.

Conclusion

It is not easy to suspect that your loved one might be suffering from nursing home abuse. However, being informed and vigilant can go a long way in helping prevent it. It’s crucial to choose a nursing home that prioritizes their resident’s well-being and values transparency in their operations. Always look out for any signs of abuse, and promptly report any issues to the nursing home or the police. With the help of a compassionate attorney, you can secure justice for your loved one and hold the guilty party accountable for their actions.