Attorneys Standing Up for the Elderly and Vulnerable Adults
Brown & Crouppen, P.C., in St. Louis, Kansas City and Throughout Missouri
Nursing home abuse refers to the physical or emotional abuse of the elderly and other vulnerable adults that takes place in residential, long-term care facilities or nursing homes. It is also sometimes referred to as institutional elder abuse.
Abuse of the elderly in nursing homes is often referred to as "the hidden crime" for several reasons: It is often difficult to recognize; it can been concealed by nursing home staff; and the victims may be too frightened or incapacitated to communicate the abuse.
Types of Nursing Home Abuse
The most common types of abuse sustained by the elderly in institutional settings:
- Physical abuse - infliction of pain or injury, including sexual abuse.
- Misuse of restraints - chemical or physical control of a resident not in accordance with accepted medical practice or orders
- Verbal/emotional abuse -demeaning statements, harassment, threats, humiliation or intimidation.
- Physical neglect - disregard for the necessities of daily living such as food, water, bathing and basic care.
- Medical neglect - lack of care for existing medical problems, such as ignoring a necessary medical diet, not calling a physician when necessary, being unaware of potential side effects of medication, or not taking action on a medical problem, such as bed sores.
- Verbal/emotional neglect - not meeting the patients' verbal/emotional needs including disregarding patients' wishes or restricting contact with family and friends.
- Personal property abuse - illegal or improper use of a resident's property (funds, property, assets) by another for personal gain[1].
Most states have addressed the institutional abuse issue with laws that require doctors, nurses and other health care professionals to report suspected neglect to a designated state office. Laws further require nursing homes to investigate and report any abuse incidents that occur within their facility. Nevertheless, an estimated 84 percent of abuse cases go unreported or unrecognized. Nursing home deaths are rarely detected, investigated or prosecuted.
Contact Brown & Crouppen Today
If you or someone you love has been injured in a nursing home, our experienced team of lawyers provides tough, aggressive representation for victims and their families. We will find answers, hold negligent homes and agencies responsible and get you the compensation you deserve.
Please contact us online or call our office today toll free at 888-842-7944.
[1] http://www.theconsumervoice.org/sites/default/files/advocate/Neglect-and-Abuse.pdf
