Nearly 40 years ago, the Older Americans Act was put into place in order protect our aging population. The elderly are one of the most vulnerable groups in society in terms of abuse, and instances of elder abuse are consistently increasing. Neglect is the most common form of elder abuse reported in Washington State, according to the National Center on Elder Abuse. If you have a family member living in a nursing home, it is important to closely monitor any signs of abuse; do not dismiss claims by your relative of neglect or unfair treatment. Minor complaints may really be an indication of much more sinister abuse.
Studies show that more elder abuse exists in nursing homes that have a low staff ratio, as well as in those with a high level of patients with dementia. There is also more abuse present in facilities whose aids are poorly trained or who work a lot of double shifts. Additionally, the nursing homes with fewer staff training sessions and more frequent turnover experience more abuse cases.
If you have a loved one in a nursing home, you may have noticed signs of abuse or neglect. You may see a higher stress level, acting out, or signs of depression. You may notice dehydration, malnutrition, or poor hygiene. Extreme bedsores can also indicate neglect.
Before you take action, consider calling Peterson Law Offices. We provide a free consultation to help determine whether you have a viable elder abuse case. For more information, call (503) 280-0888. We look forward to speaking with you soon.
 |
