|
Nursing home abuse occurs
in one in three homes, and these statistics
are conservative due to underreporting.
There are many different forms of Rhode Island nursing home abuse that can range from physical
abuse, sexual abuse, emotional or psychological
abuse, neglect, abandonment, financial or
material exploitation, and self-neglect.
Currently, there are over 17,000 nursing
homes nationwide and 1.6 million nursing
home residents and growing and there is
rising concern in the instances of severe
cases of nursing home abuse that has come
to light. There are certain characteristics
that family members can be aware of that
may indicate Rhode Island nursing home abuse
is present and help prevent any more abuse.
Signs of Rhode Island nursing home abuse include unexplained injuries,
such as bruises or cuts, bedsores, frozen
joints, venereal disease, sudden change
in behavior, refusal for residents to be
alone with visitors, and sudden financial
changes. Rhode Island nursing home abuse often
goes unreported because the nursing home
resident is afraid of disclosing information
out of fear, shame, or worry that they are
a burden. If a family member notices any
sign that Rhode Island nursing home abuse is
present it should be brought to the immediate
attention of the nursing home so that it
can be investigated. If the Rhode Island nursing home abuse does not cease, contacting your
state attorney general’s office and/or a
private attorney is advised.
Nursing home abuse has
been the subject of government and public
focus recently. Some people attribute Rhode Island nursing home abuse to the undervalued profession
of care-giving in general. Under trained,
under paid, and understaffed nursing homes
are putting workers under stressful conditions
by entrusting under qualified workers with
caring for elderly residents, and this may
contribute to the Rhode Island nursing home abuse.
While there are nursing
home regulations to prevent nursing home
abuse from inflicting pain on residents,
the reports of nursing home abuse that have
led to serious life threatening conditions
and to death are continuing to surface.
An estimated 5 million nursing home residents
are expected thirty years from now, making
nursing home abuse a top agenda. Nursing
home abuse has become one of the greatest
challenges the nation has faced, and the
consequences of nursing home abuse are likely
to affect every person at one time or another.
If
you would like a FREE confidential consultation
with one of our experienced personal injury
lawyers,
CLICK HERE ! !
|
