Signs of Nursing Home Abuse
If you have an elderly or disabled loved one in a skilled nursing facility, the thought of that person falling victim to nursing home abuse is horrifying. Unfortunately, this kind of abuse does occur.
The Arkansas nursing home abuse lawyers at Rainwater, Holt & Sexton Injury Lawyers are familiar with the laws that protect patients in assisted living facilities and we can help you determine if your loved one’s rights have been violated.
Warning Signs of Nursing Home Abuse
It is important to watch for warning signs of nursing home abuse. Some common signs of nursing home abuse include:
- Abnormally pale complexion
- Bedsores
- Bruises in a pattern that would suggest restraints
- Excessive and sudden weight loss
- Fleas, lice, or dirt on resident or in resident’s room
- Poor personal hygiene or other unattended health problems
- Torn clothing or broken personal items
- Odors of urine or feces
- Untreated bedsores, wounds, cuts, bruises, or welts
When you entrust the safety, health, and happiness of someone you care about to healthcare professionals, you expect them to provide the highest quality care for your loved one. If you suspect that your family member is the victim of nursing home abuse, call an Arkansas nursing home abuse lawyer today at (800) 434-4800 or fill out a free contact request form.
What To Do If You Discover Nursing Home Abuse
Our Arkansas nursing home abuse lawyers recommend taking the following steps if you discover signs of abuse, mistreatment, or neglect:
- Get medical attention.
A hospital or doctor not affiliated with the nursing facility should examine your loved one as soon as possible. A medical professional can protect your loved one’s health, prevent his or her condition from worsening, and document signs of abuse. - Gather evidence of abuse.
Take photographs of injuries, room conditions, and any other evidence of abuse or neglect, and collect contact information from anyone who witnessed your loved one’s mistreatment. - Report your loved one’s abuse.
File a complaint detailing your loved one’s abuse with Arkansas Adult Protective Services Arkansas Adult Protective Services. If you believe a crime has been committed, contact your local law enforcement authorities. - Relocate your loved one.
Find a facility that can demonstrate its commitment to providing quality care for your loved one. For tips on selecting the right long-term care for your loved one, visit the Arkansas Division of Aging & Adult Services’ Nursing Home Consumer Guide. - Contact Rainwater, Holt & Sexton.
Our Arkansas nursing home abuse lawyers will investigate your loved one’s abuse, and we won’t back down until the people responsible are held accountable for their negligence.
Nursing Home Resident’s Rights
Every resident of a skilled nursing facility is entitled to care that promotes and enhances his or her quality of life. Nursing home reform laws enacted in 1987 by the U.S. government guarantee specific rights to nursing home residents. The National Consumer Voice for Quality Long-Term Care cites these rights to include:
- Right to Dignity, Respect, and Freedom
As the resident of a nursing home, one has the right to be treated with consideration, respect, dignity, and to be free from abuse and neglect. - Right to Be Fully Informed
Residents should be fully informed of service charges, facility rules, and regulations, including a written copy of residents’ rights, in the resident’s preferred language. Any changes made by the nursing home, whether it be a room change or a plan of correction, should be reported to the resident. Learn more about Nursing Home Residents’ Rights.
We’re Here To Help
At Rainwater, Holt & Sexton, our Arkansas nursing home abuse lawyers understand the importance of effective, quality care. We have 35+ attorneys and 150+ staff members who are committed to protecting the rights of skilled nursing facility residents. Your loved one should never have to suffer.
With nine offices in Arkansas and Tennessee – Little Rock, Little Rock-Corporate Hill, Springdale, Conway, Hot Springs, Bryant, Jacksonville, Jonesboro, and Memphis — our personal injury lawyers are easily accessible when you need help.
