It is so difficult for families to make the decision to move an elderly loved one into a nursing home facility. Once the decision is made, they want to know that their loved one is getting the best care possible including the proper medications dispensed at the right times, nutritious meal plans, and healthy exercise, as well as social interactions. While we know minor mistakes can happen, when long-term abuse or blatant malpractice leads to serious injuries or even death, staff or even the nursing home facility itself must be held responsible because families deserve justice for their loved one’s pain and suffering.

Nursing homes and assisted living facilities are an incredibly complex part of our healthcare sector which have strict regulations and laws governing them. Our nurses understand the diverse medical protocols at a level of expertise that can provide your attorneys and support staff with the valuable knowledge they need to win the case.

Not everyone has the ability to recognize elder abuse, so often these cases only come to light once the abuse has become severe. Here are the common types of elder abuse seen in court:

1. Neglect in the context of healthcare occurs when patients do not receive sufficient care to meet their basic needs. This can be evidenced in medical records by unintentional weight loss resulting from malnutrition, increased confusion due to dehydration, and elevated levels of sodium and blood urea nitrogen. Observable signs such as the patient looking unkempt may indicate infrequent bathing or the presence of bed/pressure sores may be due to prolonged immobility. Neglect often stems from factors such as understaffing or inadequate staff training. For instance, residents may not receive adequate nutrition or have their meals prematurely removed if they eat slowly. Incontinent patients may endure lengthy waits in soiled bedding until staff members are available to attend to them. Ultimately, neglect has profound and detrimental effects on the well-being of those under the care of nursing home staff.
2. Physical Abuse: This form of mistreatment encompasses any behavior that inflicts physical harm, such as hitting, pushing, or the improper application of restraints. Warning signs may include unexplained hematomas or bruises for which the nursing home or care facility cannot provide a satisfactory explanation. However, it’s crucial to recognize that many older adults have fragile skin and may be taking medications such as blood thinners. Consequently, seemingly innocuous activities like assisting a patient from bed to chair can result in skin tears and bruises. It’s important to distinguish between these unintentional injuries and instances of physical abuse, and our specially trained legal nurses can recognize the difference. Such actions not only leave residents physically scarred but also emotionally traumatized.
3. Emotional Abuse: Emotional abuse occurs when a resident is subjected to chastisement, intimidation, or humiliation by a family member, healthcare provider, or fellow patient, undermining their emotional well-being and sense of security. This is often the most subtle type of abuse. Emotional abuse can be profoundly damaging, inflicting severe mental health issues or emotional distress upon already vulnerable nursing home residents. Signs of emotional abuse may include verbal or non-verbal mistreatment, causing residents to cringe or exhibit discomfort in the presence of certain individuals. This may indicate the presence of an abuser. 
4. Medical Malpractice: As with any stay in a medical facility, patients may suffer harm due to medical malpractice. This encompasses errors in medication administration, negligence in medical treatment, or ongoing medical neglect resulting in bed sores, illness, and other medical issues. These occurrences can lead to significant harm for residents who depend on the facility for receiving appropriate medical care.
5. Sexual Abuse: Among the most egregious forms of mistreatment, sexual abuse entails any non-consensual sexual interaction with a patient. Given the profound vulnerability of nursing home residents, this form of abuse is particularly reprehensible. 
6. Wrongful Death: Nursing home wrongful deaths represent devastating tragedies where a resident’s life is lost due to negligence, mistreatment, or insufficient care within the facility. These incidents manifest in various forms within care facilities, underscoring the importance for families to remain vigilant and identify potential risk factors that may endanger their loved ones. Such cases serve as a poignant reminder of the weighty responsibility carried by nursing facility administration and staff in ensuring the safety and well-being of vulnerable older adults under their care.

Our RN Legal Partners are here to use their knowledge and experience in terms of geriatric medications, recognizing all potential forms of neglect and understanding the aging process. We will evaluate the complex medical information and determine its relevance to your case. We will evaluate and analyze the information and offer you, the attorney, informed opinions on the delivery of care and the outcome of said care on the injured party.