Detecting the Signs of Nursing Home Neglect
MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE (PRWEB) December 16, 2015 -- Placing an elderly loved one in a nursing home can be a very tough decision. Medical needs and other day-to-day living needs are placed in the trusting hands of nursing home facilities where sometimes, our loved ones can be taken advantage of. To better familiarize loved ones with nursing home neglect, Matthew Porter, Memphis personal injury lawyer, shares the most common injuries seen and ways to detect and take action.
In most cases, elders are less likely to fight back or stand up to neglect because of their weak and frail state. Eyesight as well as their mental state could be affected, allowing immoral people to take advantage of them. Medical neglect is the most common abuse seen, where the nursing home fails to provide adequate attention, prevention, or medication for concerns such as bed sores, infections, cuts, diabetes, cognitive diseases, and mobility concerns.
Although at this time there are no nationwide tracking systems for elderly abuse, the National Center on Elder Abuse estimates that between one and two million Americans over the age of 65 have been abused (through exploitation, injury, mistreatment, or exploitation) by a loved one or caregiver.
The best way to ensure your elderly loved one does not become a victim of elder neglect is to keep an open line of communication with the caregiver and check in at least once a week. During visits, be aware of small changes, such as a lack of appetite, becoming withdrawn, or repetitive movements, such as rocking or swaying.
Immediately contact the caregiver’s supervisor and the local authorities if you suspect elder abuse. While it may be difficult, taking action against elder abuse may be the only way to stop the mistreatment and prevent others from becoming victims. If you have seen or heard a victim is in immediate danger, they should be taken from the nursing home facility as soon as possible and legal action should be taken against the facility.
About The Porter Law Firm, PLLC
Personal injury lawyer Matthew Porter, who practices primarily in Memphis, Tennessee, leads The Porter Law Firm. The firm’s areas of representation include victims of car accidents, motorcycle accidents and truck accidents in Tennessee. Personal injury cases are also an area of representation and include, slip and fall accidents, injury to children, the elderly or others due to negligence and medical malpractice, including wrongful death. Porter also includes in his practice areas product liability and denial of insurance benefits. Porter is a member of the American Association for Justice, the Tennessee Association for Justice, the Million Dollar Advocates Forum, and the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum. For more information visit http://www.porterlawfirm.com.
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