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Brooklyn Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers
Brooklyn Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect Information
Nursing home abuse and negligence cases in Brooklyn is very much a tragic reality. There are many recent studies that establish the increase in the abuse cases nationwide, even as victims tend to underreport such incidents. Victims of nursing home abuse and neglect often hide their injuries and feelings and do not report these incidents for fear of embarrassment or retaliation. Often times, these victims are so ill or suffer from dementia. So they are not even aware that they are being abused or neglected. Brooklyn nursing home abuse victims and their families should always remember they have legal rights and must fully understand what constitutes nursing home abuse or negligence.
Signs of Brooklyn Nursing Home Abuse
The elderly may be more prone to falls or bruising, but there are many red flags that family members should be looking for when they visit a care facility. If you witness a loved one suffering from any of these signs of abuse you should file a formal report with the facility's administrators and contact a Brooklyn nursing home abuse attorney right away:
- Bedsores: Less mobile patients require assistance to move and reposition themselves every couple of hours. Recurring bedsores may be signs of nursing home neglect. If a patient is not properly cleaned and treated, bedsores can become a serious medical problem.
- Bruises: Certain bruises, cuts and lacerations may be signs of physical abuse or rough handling on the part of nursing staff members.
- Lack Of Hygiene: Facilities are required to provide a clean and safe environment for their patients. They are also required to ensure the cleanliness and well-being of their residents. If you notice unwashed clothes, unkempt rooms and a lack of hygiene, the facility may be neglecting its patients.
- Changes in Personality: Victims of physical and emotional abuse often become quiet and withdrawn. If your loved one is showing a change in personality, it is red flag. Stay in contact with your loved one and visit as often as you can to find out the reason behind that change in personality.
- Changes In Finances: Financial abuse to common in care facilities. Financial abusers may steal possessions, forge checks and encourage changes in personal wills.
There are many fine nursing homes in Brooklyn, but abuse or negligence could occur at any nursing home.
What to Do If You Suspect Abuse
First, you should visit the facility often. Showing up at random times of day and requesting to view medical charts are ways to keep the workers aware of your presence and to let them know that you are monitoring their actions. You should file a complaint and discuss your concerns with management in the facility. It would also be a good idea to document how your loved one is being cared for. When was the patient changed? When were they fed or hydrated? What are the changes in their behavior? Has there been significant weight loss? These are issues to be monitored closely and carefully.
The Brooklyn NY nursing home abuse lawyers at Wingate, Russotti, Shapiro & Halperin, LLP have a long history of holding negligent facilities accountable for the harm they cause. We offer free consultations to anyone who believes their loved one may be suffering in an abusive or neglectful care facility. Call us at 212-986-7353 today to find out how we can help.
