Assisted living facilities are a wonderful option for family members who want their independence but still need the everyday care provided by those who work in an assisted living facility. In addition, not everyone who ages has family able to take them in and care for them throughout the day, and not everyone who is aging wants to live with their kids and grandkids.
Assisted living facilities can provide residents with:
- The ability to care for themselves throughout the day
- Interact with others also living in the same location
- Enjoy activities provided by the facility.
These facilities allow for independence while also helping residents get to and from appointments and care for themselves when needed. Unfortunately, there is still a presence of abuse in these facilities.
The Risks of Assisted Living Facilities
Assisted living abuse is not a victimless crime, and it’s not one you want to learn your loved one is experiencing. No one wants to think that their elderly relatives and loved ones are being abused in their homes, but it happens.
Assisted Living Abuse
It’s difficult to think about this, but it happens. Assisted living residents might experience physical abuse from those who work in the facility, and they’re afraid to report it. This could be the typical type of abuse people hear about, but it can also occur when someone is restrained using excessive force. Anyone who experiences emotional or verbal abuse from those who work for the assisted living facility are being psychologically abused. Here are the most common forms of abuse:
- Physical abuse
- Sexual abuse
- Psychological abuse
- Neglect
- Financial abuse
Neglect Cases
Neglect often occurs when there’s not enough people on staff to care for the residents. This can result in residents to:
- Lack proper medication or doses.
- Not be fed a healthy and balanced diet.
- Suffer from dehydration.
- Suffer from bed sores, rashes, and other issues due to a lack of clean facilities and staff.
- Some facilities financially abuse their residents by forcing them to pay too much for their care, or by taking their money from them and limiting what they’re able to purchase. They may also outright steal from the resident.
What Are Your Legal Options?
A qualified attorney can help you stop the abuse of your loved one at an assisted living facility. If you recognize the signs of possible abuse, a Las Vegas personal injury lawyer can help you pursue justice.
Recognize the Signs of Possible Abuse
Signs might include:
- Unexplained bodily damage or harm
- Unsanitary living conditions
- Depression or withdrawing from interactions with others, including close family members.
If you have noticed these symptoms, it’s imperative you speak to your loved one. Ask what they may be feeling or experiencing, but don’t be surprised if your loved one is afraid to tell you. They may not want you to worry or they may have been threatened that if they tell, they will be punished.
Contact an Little Rock Personal Injury Attorney for Help
Call an attorney to discuss your concerns. They can help you determine if abuse is actually occurring. An attorney can launch an investigation, collect evidence, and seek the opinions of professionals in the medical field. Ultimately, if your loved one has been abused, an attorney can help your family seek compensation for that abuse and get them the emotional and physical treatment they need to help them heal.
