Southern California Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer Blog
The North County Times had a good column on the cold reality that elder abuse or neglect can happen anywhere. Susan Reichel, CEO of Advanced Home Health Services in San Diego says that an estimated 2 million elderly Americans are victims of elder abuse, whether its physical, mental, emotional, or financial, and it can occur in the home or at a nursing facility.
We, of course, know this. At this law firm, we take legal action against nursing homes and residential care facilities for abuse or neglect all the time. But it’s always worth reminding people that such abuse cases are real and all around us. Remarkably, it is estimated that 84 percent of elder abuse cases go unreported.
The author makes a list of clues to look out for that might be signs of abuse or neglect, and we though it would be helpful to list them here.
● Unexplained injuries: bruises, scratches, fractures.
● Serious and persistent bed sores, signs of improper nursing care.
● Persistent or chronic infections —- more signs of improper care.
● Sudden or chronic weight loss; is food being withheld?
● Unsanitary living conditions, linens not changed, clutter ignored.
● Increasing dehydration; is water being withheld?
● Sexual abuse: unusual bleeding, suspicious injuries, STDs.
● Repeated wandering by patients who have dementia or Alzheimer’s disease.
● Excessive costs, financial fraud, overcharging on medical bills, etc.
San Diego has a variety of resources available if abuse or neglect is suspected. In an emergency, of course, call 911. The local office of Adult Protective Services can be reached at 858-495-5660. If mistreatment in a nursing or care home is suspected, call the Ombudsman Program at 800-640-4661 or call us at Walton Law Firm and we’d be glad to assist.
Source: North County Times
The nursing home abuse and neglect lawyers at Walton Law Firm LLP provide free consultations to individuals and families who believe a loved one has suffered from abuse or neglect in a nursing home or residential care setting. Cases are accepted throughout Southern California.
