Nursing home abuse is a nationwide problem that hits home hard in Georgia. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution has reported that among all of the states in America, Georgia and Tennessee were the top worst in response time to reports of risk of serious injury or death in nursing homes. Federal guidelines require onsite investigations within two days of a complain, however in Georgia, it may take 15-days or more to send out an investigator.
Nursing Home Abuse Signs
If you suspect a nursing home resident is being abused report it right away. Consulting with a personal injury attorney may also be advised if you feel you need action taken sooner than government agency investigation can be initiated. Abuse can take the forms of physical abuse, emotional abuse, sexual abuse or financial abuse.
The Georgia Department of Human Services gives some key signs and signals to be alert for including:
- Comments about being mistreated or abused
- Burns, bruises, cuts, black eyes, skin tears, abrasions, etc.
- Fractures, dislocated joints, sprains
- Complaints of pain to touch or hugs
- Missing money, valuables, personal items
- Unusual credit card uses, or bank account withdrawals (stolen cards, PIN numbers, forged checks)
- Being isolated from others or activities, being ignored
- Hearing or seeing abuse (verbal, physical)
- Sexually transmitted disease or genital trauma
- Malnourishment, dehydration, weight loss that is not explained
- Unsanitary conditions (wearing soiled clothing, bed covers dirty and not changed)
- Improperly dressed
- Lack of proper dental care, podiatry services, regular doctor exams
- Bed sores or rashes
- Wounds or other medical conditions that are not properly treated
- Medication errors
- Proper hygiene neglected
Nursing Home Abuse Statistics
The National Center on Elder Abuse states that over 50% of nursing home workers admit to recent mistreatment of at least one of their patients. More than 50% of nursing home aides (CNA’s) admit to verbally abusing or yelling at the elderly in their care. Additionally, 44% of nursing home residents report abuse of some kind.
Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer Takes Action For You
When a nursing home resident or family member reports possible nursing home abuse, a quick response is seen as a critical safeguard to protect our vulnerable Georgia residents.Call the lawyer who will fight for your loved one, take legal action against the guilty parties, and take all the necessary steps to protect and keep that person safe from further harm. Call Joel Baskin, Attorney at Law, for immediate action.