Alzheimer’s patients suffer from a type of dementia that makes it difficult or impossible to advocate for themselves. This makes them prime targets for elder abuse in nursing homes.
Alzheimer’s abuse in nursing homes can take many forms. Victims may be physically restrained or placed in a locked room to ensure that they do not wander away. Alzheimer’s victims may also suffer verbal abuse, emotional abuse, or neglect.
If you believe that your loved one is being abused by their nursing home, contact a lawyer as soon as possible. They can help investigate your claim, gather evidence, and get your loved one justice for their suffering.
The team at Lytal, Reiter, Smith, Ivey & Fronrath is here to help. Call a Florida elder abuse attorney today for a free consultation.
What is nursing home abuse?
Nursing home abuse is a term used to describe different types of mistreatment or neglect that could occur at a nursing care facility. Abuse can be physical, psychological/emotional, sexual, or financial.
It is typically perpetrated by staff who may be overworked or unqualified for their position.
Types of Nursing Home Abuse
When people think about elder abuse, they often focus on instances of physical abuse. However, it is important not to overlook the various other forms of mistreatment.
Anytime someone is being neglected or goes without the care they need, it can be considered nursing home abuse.
Physical abuse can involve slapping, punching, or even shaking an elderly person.
Sexual abuse can involve unwanted touching or sexual assault.
Emotional abuse can involve yelling, insulting, or threatening an elderly person.
Financial abuse can involve stealing money or possessions from an elderly person, or pressuring them into giving away their money or assets.
All of these types of abuse are unacceptable and should be reported immediately.
If you believe that your loved one is being abused in a nursing home, contact an elder abuse lawyer for help.
Alzheimer’s Patients Are More Vulnerable to Abuse
Alzheimer’s patients typically lose their memory and cognitive skills, eventually forgetting how to complete everyday tasks like dressing themselves or brushing their teeth.
One of the main reasons that Alzheimer’s patients are more at risk of elder abuse is because they are often unable to communicate what is happening to them. They may not be able to remember what happened or who abused them.
This can make it difficult for them to get help and stop the abuse from happening.
Alzheimer’s patients may also be less able to defend themselves against attackers. They may not be able to walk or fight back, making them an easy target for abuse.
Their lack of awareness of their finances also makes them an easy target for financial abuse. Alzheimer’s patients may not realize that they are giving away their money or deciding to sell something valuable because an attacker is pressuring them.
Many Alzheimer’s patients do not even realize that they have been abused until after the fact. Their memory loss and confusion can make it impossible for them to remember what happened, even if they were able to tell someone right away.
You must seek help if you believe that your loved one is being abused.
Indicators of Abuse in Alzheimer’s Patients
When you suspect that your loved one is being abused, look for signs of physical trauma such as bruises. Poor hygiene and changes in sleeping habits can also be a sign of abuse.
Other clues to watch for include isolation from the community, missing clothes or belongings, sudden weight loss, malnutrition, injuries with no explanation of how they occurred, and signs of being restrained or confined.
When your loved one cannot tell you what happened, the only thing you can do is to watch for signs of abuse.
If you believe that an Alzheimer’s patient is being abused, document everything and report your findings immediately.
What to Do if You Suspect Alzheimer’s Abuse in Nursing Homes
If you suspect that your loved one with Alzheimer’s is suffering from nursing home abuse, you must take action immediately.
It is critical that you make your suspicions known to everyone involved in your loved one’s care, including their doctor.
Document everything you notice so that you have a record of what happened.
Be sure to contact a lawyer immediately for help. Victims cannot do this on their own and need your help to find justice. It is up to you to stand up against Alzheimer’s abuse in nursing homes.
Lytal, Reiter, Smith, Ivey & Fronrath are here to assist you with this difficult process.
Contact an Elder Abuse Lawyer Today for Help
If you are aware of Alzheimer’s patients being abused in a nursing home, do not hesitate to contact Lytal, Reiter, Smith, Ivey & Fronrath.
Our elder abuse lawyers are here to assist you with the difficult process of shutting down this abuse. We have decades of experience helping elders who have been abused by relatives and nursing homes.
Please contact us to learn more about Alzheimer’s abuse in nursing homes and how we can help.
