A Look at Nursing Home Neglect
With advances in medicine and an aging baby boomer population, there is an increasing population in nursing homes. Seniors may be vulnerable to neglect because of a diminished mental capacity or physical limitations. If you or a loved one has been the victim of neglect, it is important to contact a personal injury attorney. Every year, roughly two million seniors are victims of neglect or abuse—and experts estimate that the number is extremely low because of the number of cases that go unreported.
- What is neglect?
Elder neglect occurs when someone has an obligation to take care of a senior and fails to complete essential tasks. Neglect may include failure to provide food and water, medications, assistance with daily activities, and assistance with proper hygiene.
- What is the difference between neglect and abuse?
Neglect is one form of elder abuse. In addition to neglect, abuse can include mistreatment, physical abuse, psychological abuse, sexual abuse, and financial exploitation.
- What are the symptoms of neglect or abuse?
There are a number of symptoms of abuse or neglect, and it is important to know your loved one and pay attention to how he or she is being treated. Some symptoms of abuse and neglect may include sloppy appearance, bed sores, malnutrition (without a medical explanation), sunken eyes, and weight loss. Other symptoms include extreme thirst; fear; withdrawal and other changes in behavior; hesitation to talk with friends or family; and unsafe or unsanitary living conditions. Many symptoms may be explained by a medical condition or medication. If you suspect elder abuse or neglect, however, it is important to address the issue and seek the help of an attorney if necessary.
At the Law Office of D. Harrison Wood, we offer services in nursing home neglect and personal injury cases. We are located in Cary, North Carolina, and we are experienced personal injury attorneys. If you are ready to find an advocate for your case, call us at (919) 238-4668.
Disclaimer:
The materials available at this website are for informational purposes only and not for the purpose of providing legal advice. You should contact your attorney to obtain advice with respect to any particular issue or problem. Use and access to this website or any of the links contained within the site do not create an attorney-client relationship. The opinions expressed at or through this site are the opinions of the individual author and may not reflect the opinions of the firm or any individual attorney.
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