Four Common Myths About Nursing Home Abuse
Anyone who admits a loved one into a nursing home is always concerned about the threat of abuse and neglect. Due to the fact that neglect and abuse are so rampant in nursing homes, it is completely natural to be concerned. Unfortunately, there are many myths and misconceptions about nursing home abuse in Tampa, and throughout Florida. If you have a loved one in a nursing home, it is critical that you understand what these myths are. Below, our Tampa nursing home abuse attorney explains the truth behind them.
Abuse Only Occurs in Nursing Homes
The term ‘nursing home neglect and abuse’ has become so common that many people think these facilities are the only places it occurs. Sadly, this is not the case. Abuse can happen in assisted living facilities and other long-term care facilities. When elders have caretakers that come into their home, these individuals can also be guilty of abuse and neglect. Family members should always remain vigilant and look for the signs of abuse any time an elder is in the care of another person.
Physical Abuse is the Most Common
It is easy to first think of physical abuse when thinking of the suffering elders endure at the hands of others. It is true that shoving, kicking, and hitting are common types of abuse, but physical abuse is not actually the most common type. The most common type of abuse seniors suffer from is emotional abuse. Emotional abuse involves belittling seniors, threatening them, isolating them from others, and more. During the holidays at the end of the year, financial abuse is also the most common. Financial abuse includes stealing from nursing home residents and exploiting their financial position.
Family Members Do Not have a Say in Medical Care
Nursing home facilities sometimes tell loved ones of patients that they have no say in the medical care a resident receives. This is not true. If your loved one is in a nursing home, your say always matters. If the staff members in the nursing home are telling you otherwise, it is critical that you seek legal advice.
Residents Report Abuse
Contrary to what many people think, nursing home abuse often goes unreported because family members do not think anything is wrong. Nursing home residents often do not have the mental capacity to understand that abuse or neglect is occurring. Additionally, they are often too embarrassed or ashamed to tell someone about abuse or neglect. For this reason, loved ones should always watch for the signs of abuse so they can stop it from occurring.
Our Nursing Home Abuse Attorney in Tampa Can Help Your Family
If you think your loved one has suffered from nursing home abuse or neglect, it is critical that you get the legal help your family needs. At Kohn Law, our Tampa nursing home abuse attorney is dedicated to helping families and we will put our expertise to work for you so your loved one can obtain the full compensation they deserve. Call us now at 813-428-8504 or contact us online to request a free consultation and to get the information you need.
Sources:
flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2012/Chapter768
leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0400-0499/0400/0400.html
