Three Questions To Ask If You Suspect Nursing Home Abuse
If you believe someone you love is suffering from elder abuse, it is important to know the questions to ask. Nursing home residents do not always want to come forward when they are the victim of abuse and neglect. Some are simply embarrassed or ashamed, while others may not even know the abuse is happening. If you suspect your loved one is being abused, there are three questions you can ask to determine if it is happening. Below, our Tampa nursing home abuse attorney explains what these are.
Have Your Daily Needs or Activities Been Limited?
According to the National Council on Aging (NCOA), limiting a senior’s daily needs or activities is known as willful deprivation. Nursing home staff members sometimes willfully deprive residents because they want to take advantage of them. When a senior is being willfully deprived, they may not receive sufficient food and water, hearing aids or glasses, medications, and medical care. A resident may also be denied visitation time with family members and friends.
Willful deprivation is a type of emotional abuse and it can cause significant harm. Ask your loved one if their needs are being met and if not, ask them who is failing to provide for them.
Has Someone Threatened You?
Threats may not leave visible injuries, but they are just as harmful to a senior’s emotional and mental health. Verbal harassment can cause residents to feel agitated and scared, and can result in them withdrawing from people and activities. When harassment or threats extend over a significant period of time, it can also lead to anxiety and depression in elders. When staff members threaten to prevent residents from seeing their loved ones, it can make it even more challenging for them to receive the help they need.
Has Anyone Asked You for Money?
Financial abuse is quite common in nursing homes. This type of abuse can completely deplete a senior’s life savings, and they may no longer be able to pay for their basic living expenses. Financial abuse can also cause emotional harm, as residents may start to suffer from distrust, depression, and feelings of worthlessness.
Financial abuse does not only entail stealing money or other property from seniors. They may also trick residents into signing financial documents that give the staff member access to the senior’s bank account, investments, estate planning documents, and more. To protect your loved one, you should also ask if anyone in the nursing home has asked them to sign any papers.
Our Nursing Home Abuse Attorney in Tampa Can Help with Your Case
If you suspect that your loved one is being neglected or abused, you need legal representation to ensure the rights of your family member are protected. At Kohn Law, our Tampa nursing home abuse attorney can provide the legal advice you need and will work tirelessly to ensure your family receives the maximum compensation you justly deserve. Call us now at 813-428-8504 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation and to learn more about how we can help.
Source:
ncoa.org/article/get-the-facts-on-elder-abuse
