The decision to send your loved one to a nursing home can be incredibly difficult. You are trusting the facility to provide the love, care, and respect your family member deserves. Unfortunately, serious safety and legal problems such as abuse do occur, even to our most vulnerable members of society within senior care facilities.
There are different forms of abuse, including emotional, physical, financial, and neglect. The most effective way to protect the person you love is to know the signs and steps to take when you suspect mistreatment. Speak to a Westlake Village nursing home abuse lawyer for help with your case. Our team of dedicated injury attorneys could help you file for rightful compensation when your family member is harmed at a care facility.
Possible Signs of Elder Abuse
When families of nursing home residents know the potential signs of abuse to watch for, they can help protect and ensure the safety and well-being of every patient. Some common indications to be aware of include:
- Missing money, checks, or unexplained credit card purchases
- Abrupt behavior, mood changes, or social withdrawal
- Unsanitary living conditions or poor hygiene
- Pressure ulcers, also called bedsores
- Malnutrition and dehydration, such as sudden and unexplained changes in weight
- Unexplained injuries, such as cuts, bruises, and broken bones
Noticing potential abuse and addressing these concerns allows families to keep their loved ones and others safe from harm. A Westlake Village nursing home mistreatment lawyer could help report these negligent facilities and hold them accountable for causing damage to residents.
Nursing Home Standards of Care
State and federal legislation requires all senior and long-term care facilities to provide residents with professional care, promoting maintenance or enhancement of the quality of life. According to the laws provided by the California Advocates For Nursing Home Reform, some examples of reuired care include:
- Dementia care
- Infectious disease control
- Adequate staff for the number of residents
- Behavioral health care and physician services
- Special needs accommodations when necessary
- Personal care, such as support with hygiene and other daily tasks
- Safety standard guidelines, such as bed rails to prevent avoidable accidents
- The ability to participate in the planning of medical care treatments and services
A living environment that lacks the essentials of care should never be ignored. A nursing home abuse attorney in Westlake Village could investigate to determine if there was a lack of compliance with federal and state rules and statutes.
The Elder Justice Act
Various state and federal regulations protect seniors in long-term care facilities. For example, The Elder Justice Act protects residents living in nursing homes from abuse and exploitation.
This act also enacts the Elder Justice Coordinating Council, which is under the supervision of the Department of Health and Human Services. The primary purpose of this agency is to mandate and orchestrate efforts to recognize and reduce abuse within senior care homes. A strong-willed lawyer in Westlake Village could provide more on the Elder Justice Act and its role in elderly care facility mistreatment.
Meet With a Seasoned Nursing Home Abuse Attorney in Westlake Village Today
Senior living homes have a legal duty to provide adequate care and services for every resident. Knowing the signs of mistreatment is crucial for protecting your loved one and others under the facility’s care.
Regular visits and communication can help detect and notify authorities of neglect or emotional and physical harm early on. Call a hard-working Westlake Village nursing home abuse lawyer today to schedule a meeting and discuss your case for damages.