Nursing homes are supposed to be safe places where those we love can receive the care they need, and many Columbus facilities are just that. Unfortunately, some aren’t – and when someone is being mistreated, a nursing home neglect and abuse attorney can hold the responsible parties accountable.
Countless people in Columbus, across Franklin County and throughout the state of Ohio suffer neglect or are abused in adult care facilities every year. Here, we explain how these issues occur and what to do if you suspect a loved one isn’t getting the proper care.
What is Nursing Home Neglect?
Neglect is the failure to care for someone properly, and it can be purposeful or accidental. In Columbus facilities, there are several ways in which neglect can occur:
- Hygiene Neglect – If a resident isn’t getting adequate assistance with basic tasks like using the bathroom and getting dressed, they can develop skin infections, bed sores and other issues.
- Malnutrition or Dehydration Neglect – When someone isn’t given enough to eat or drink on a regular basis, the lack of proper nutrition or hydration can lead to very serious health problems.
- Medical Neglect – Not administering medication when needed, failing to take proper care of wounds and not ensuring that an adequate plan of care is being followed can be detrimental to a patient’s health.
- Social and Emotional Neglect – Staff members who ignore a resident, repeatedly leave them alone or prevent them from interacting with others, the issue can take a terrible toll.
- Facility Neglect – Facilities can be held accountable for failing to eliminate known property hazards, not providing adequate security, understaffing, improper staff training and poor hiring practices.
What is Nursing Home Abuse?
Unlike cases of nursing home neglect, abuse in Columbus adult care facilities can be intentional. The types of abuse suffered by residents include:
- Physical Abuse – When a staff member hits, pushes, kicks or forcibly restrains a resident, the evidence is often apparent due to visible bruises, scratches and scrapes.
- Emotional Abuse – Mocking, humiliating or putting someone down can bring about feelings of depression and, in some cases, can lead to worsening mental health issues.
- Financial Abuse – Robbing residents, either by taking cash out of their wallets or by getting their banking information.
- Sexual Abuse – Most people don’t realize that this form of abuse can occur, but it’s difficult to detect when sexual acts are performed on or with a loved one without their knowledge or consent.
What to Do if a Loved One is Being Mistreated
Neglect and abuse can take place in adult care facilities without anyone ever knowing. You may not be certain your loved one isn’t being treated properly, but one thing is clear – if you have suspicions, you should take action.
Reach out to a highly skilled nursing home neglect and abuse attorney, and you’ll have a powerful advocate in your corner. An attorney at Clark, Perdue & List can help you determine if any of your relative’s rights have been violated and, if so, develop a plan to hold the responsible parties accountable. For more information on our legal services, or for a free, no obligation consultation with a top-rated Columbus nursing home neglect and abuse attorney, contact us today.