Nursing Home Abuse (Cont.)
Abuse, neglect and exploitation of elders and adults with disabilities occur inside nursing homes and even in their own homes. When nursing homes operate on a for-profit basis there is always the temptation to reduce staff or employ those less qualified to provide care in order to maximize profit.
Family members visiting an elder love one are often the first to recognize or suspect abuse or neglect. Often the elder loved one cannot articulate their injury, how it occurred or who was responsible. In these circumstances photographs, even if taken on a cell phone, can provide the first lead in understanding how the abuse or neglect occurred. As the nursing home nurses and administrators write the medical records, it is important that you immediately obtain the services of an attorney to make sure that the facts and circumstances of the abuse/neglect are properly recorded and investigated by both law enforcement and state agencies.
Elder mistreatment (abuse and neglect) is defined as intentional actions that cause harm or create a serious risk of harm to a vulnerable elder by a caregiver or other person who stands in a trust relationship to the elder. This includes failure by a caregiver to satisfy the elder’s ( or disabled person’s) basic needs or to protect the elder from harm.
Our law firm is experienced with nursing home neglect and abuse cases. We possess the required knowledge of state regulations regarding nursing home care to take legal action, and can provide you with the South Carolina Long Term Care Ombudsman who can assist with investigation and stopping the abuse.
Contact David L. Savage to discuss your legal needs today if you notice the warning signs of caregiver or nursing home neglect and abuse.