With COVID19 restrictions, most of our Georgia elderly have not been able to have one-on-one visitation from their loved ones for eight months to a year. With restrictions just starting to allow nursing home visits many family members may be dismayed and concerned about the health and care their loved ones have been receiving.
Elderly Abuse Ranks High in Georgia
Elder abuse has been a growing problem in the State of Georgia, with the state ranking in the top-three states for response time to reported abuse. If you suspect your loved one, or any nursing home resident for that matter, is being abused report it immediately. You may need to take legal steps by consulting with a personal injury lawyer if you feel immediate action needs to be taken.
Elderly Abuse Cases Take Many Forms
Elderly abuse can take many forms, which include physical abuse, emotional abuse, sexual abuse or financial abuse. The aftermath of abuse may be unseen, but can cause deep and lasting pain and suffering. 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. Having the education of what to look for can help make life better for all nursing home residents in Georgia.
Elderly Nursing Home Abuse Checklist
The Georgia Department of Human Services gives some important key signs and signals that can help to identify when abuse has occurred or is ongoing. Use the checklist below when visiting those in the nursing home and help protect our growing elder population.
- 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
- Fearful looks and withdrawal when attempting to give a hug to an elder
- 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 (not enough clothing, revealing clothing, clothing that appears too immature, ripped or torn clothing, complaints of being too cold or too hot)
- 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
- Body odor, heavy urine or feces smell in room, hallways, or on resident
- Dried up foods or liquids left on their face or clothing
- Hair knotted, dirty, greasy, unkempt
- Placed in wheelchair or chair where they are unable to leave area and left for hours
- No call button within reach
- No liquids within reach
- Calls for assistance left unanswered
The Statistics of Nursing Home Elderly Abuse
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.
Elderly Abuse Lawyer Ready to Take Necessary Steps
Call a nursing home abuse lawyer who will fight for your loved one, take legal action against the guilty parties, and take all the necessary legal steps needed to protect our Georgia elders. Call Joel Baskin, Attorney at Law, for immediate action.