Lynchburg Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer
Detection Can Be Difficult
How did I not notice? How would I have known? Questions you may ask yourself if a family member is being abused or neglected at a nursing home. The signs aren’t always outwardly visible, and one can only hope a loved one is being cared for properly. Unfortunately, there are careless individuals who fly under the radar because of oversight at nursing homes or other longterm care facilities in the state of Virginia.
- Emotional
- Physical
- Sexual
- Financial
- Neglect
- Confinement
The Nursing Home Reform Act became law in 1987 to ensure nursing home residents receive the best physical, mental and psychological care possible. In order to get Medicaid and Medicare payments for longterm residents, a facility must be certified by the state and remain compliant with requirements under the law.
Bedsores: A Common Sign of Neglect
For some, an inevitable development of aging is the loss of mobility, which is why the risk of bedsores is extremely high for those who are bound to a bed and can’t switch positions on their own. Bedsores can develop quickly on the skin, typically around the spine, tailbone, shoulder blades, hips, heels or elbows — areas that don’t have a lot of muscle or fat. Mayo Clinic cites three common causes:
Pressure
- Constant pressure on body parts may reduce blood flow and cause the skin or tissue to get damaged.
Friction
- Clothing and bedding can contribute to this risk factor, especially if the skin is moist.
Shear
- May occur when the skin is pulled in the opposite direction while moving around.
Other Signs of Abuse or Neglect
- Behavior changes (withdrawn)
- Unexplained cuts, bruises, welts
- Torn or bloody clothing, sheets
- Rapid, unexplained weight loss
- Reluctance to speak around caregivers
- Missing Cash, Valuables
- Large bank withdrawals
- Unexplained changes to will, power of attorney, title, or policy
Don’t be afraid to ask questions about your loved one’s care. You have a right to know the kind of treatment your family member is receiving. If you have reason to believe your loved one is a victim of physical, sexual, emotional, or financial abuse while in a nursing home or long-term care facility, the attorneys at Trost Law Group are here to help. We have aggressively defended the rights of the disabled and injured throughout the state of Virginia for over three decades. Contact us today for our free, no obligation case review.