Nursing home residents are particularly vulnerable to injury and abuse. Most can’t defend themselves, and some have cognitive issues that make it difficult for them to recall what happened.
If your loved one is acting out, acting strangely, or has experienced abrupt changes in their physical or mental health, they may be the victim of nursing home abuse. Because they may not be able to speak for themselves or be discredited by the nursing home staff, they need you to be their voice. They will not be able to get justice on their own.
What Is Nursing Home Abuse?
Nursing home abuse is any type of mistreatment of a resident by caretakers, staff, other residents, or even family members. Abuse can be physical, emotional, verbal, sexual, financial, or any other way someone inflicts harm on a resident. Neglect of a resident is also a form of abuse, such as denying them food, hydration, medication, hygiene, medical care, or other daily needs.
Signs like:
- Unexplained changes in behavior or moods, such as depression, fear, or anxiety
- Fear of speaking in front of nursing home caretakers or other staff members
- Unexplained cuts, bruises, or other injuries
- Unexplained malnutrition and weight loss
- Pressure sore development
- Continued deprivation of food and water and resulting dehydration
- Fatigue, or the appearance of sedation
- Falls, or injuries from falls such as fractures and head injuries
- Broken bones, especially with hospitalization
- Frequent illnesses are not reported to family members or the person’s physician.
- Fear of being left alone
Any unusual behaviors or signs that your loved ones exhibit may be the result of some form of abuse. You can find a complete list of adult mistreatment and abuse on West Virginia’s Department of Health & Human Services website.
What You Need To Do Now
If your loved one is in any immediate danger, call 911 immediately. Law enforcement will be involved. Your loved one will be taken to the hospital for treatment.
Initially, you can speak to the nursing home’s caretakers, staff, and administrators. However, you have additional options if you do not get the answers you need.
- File your complaint with West Virginia Health & Human Services, Adult Protective Services, at 1-800-352-6513. They are available 24/7 to take your call.
- Contact the West Virginia Bureau of Senior Services Ombudsman program. The Ombudsman is a non-attorney who works as an advocate, mediator, and observer for nursing home residents and their families. They investigate complaints, report on them, and work to settle them.
- If you are not able to resolve this, your next option is to work with nursing home lawyers who can hold the nursing home accountable and get justice for your loved one.
When someone moves into a nursing home, they expect to be well cared for. If that doesn’t happen, you can take additional steps to get them the help they need.
Defending The Vulnerable In West Virginia
If ever you discover that your loved one is not being cared for or being mistreated in a nursing home, please call us immediately and speak with our nursing home lawyers to help get justice for your loved one.
Because this kind of lawsuit can be complicated, it is important to have nursing home lawyers who deeply understand West Virginia’s personal injury laws and elder law. Contact The Love Law Firm today at (304) 344-5683 or contact us online for a free consultation. We’ve helped thousands of West Virginians fight for their loved ones in nursing homes and are ready to help you.
