According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), an
estimated two million people over the age of 65 are currently residents
of nursing homes. Of these many become victims of neglect and abuse
each year. If you have a loved one living in an assisted living center,
you should recognize the early signs of neglect or abuse to put a stop
to it and hold those at fault legally responsible.
Differentiating Neglect from Abuse
In
legal terms, neglect and abuse are two different and separate
categories. Abuse is defined as willful infliction of injury,
intimidation, unreasonable confinement or cruel punishment resulting in
pain, mental anguish, harm and deprivation by a caregiver. Neglect, on
the other hand, is the denial of needs, such as medical care, clothing,
hygiene, shelter, and food.
Common Signs of Neglect
Recognizing
the common warning signs of neglect is the first thing to bringing
offending individuals to justice. Keep an eye out for signs, like
deteriorating hygiene, lack of food, dirty living space, improper
medication, soiled clothing or bedding, appearance of bedsores and lack
of basic necessities.
Legal Action Against Liable Individuals
Neglect
can have a significantly negative impact on the health and it is only
right that you hold those responsible liable for their actions, with the
help of a personal injury lawyer. Some of the people you can hold
accountable for negligent treatment of your loved one are the staff,
healthcare providers, third-party contractors, another resident, and
other guests.
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