“A harmonious approach to care” may sound like a symphony to your ears after all the arduous work you’ve put into searching for the perfect facility to care for your elderly loved one. That may be what the Symphony Care Network of nursing home facilities is banking on. The facility name conjures up images of a serene and peaceful environment, while the pictures of the facility convey a warm, caring, and comfortable setting.
While a nursing home may at first seem like the perfect place for a family member to enjoy their golden years, do you really know what is going on when visiting hours are over? Elder abuse in nursing homes is a growing problem. We want to believe that it can’t happen to someone we love, when in fact, according to the World Health Organization, two in three nursing home staff members have admitted to committing abusive acts towards residents.
Abuse can happen anywhere, in any facility, even the most pristine appearing nursing homes. Abuse towards nursing home residents is abhorrent, and those responsible should be held accountable for their actions.
That is where the team at Karlin, Fleisher & Falkenberg, LLC comes in. We take claims of abuse seriously and will investigate allegations to reveal the truth of what is happening behind closed doors. If abuse is taking place, we actively protect the rights of the victim and work hard to make sure justice is upheld. We’ll fight skillfully for the full compensation you may be entitled to.
If you are being abused or if you suspect a loved one may be being abused at a Symphony Care Network nursing home, please contact us at 312-346-8620 for a free consultation.
How Do You Define Nursing Home Abuse?
Nursing home abuse is a complicated problem, in part because there are so many different forms that abuse can take. Nursing home abuse can be defined as any type of intentional harm inflicted on an elderly resident by a person in a position of authority. The most common forms of abuse that take place in long-term care facilities include the following:
While we may instantly think of abuse as physical violence, that is not the form of abuse that takes place most often in nursing home settings. Data from the World Health Organization suggests that mental abuse is more prevalent in nursing home facilities than physical abuse. Unfortunately, the hallmarks of psychological abuse are much more subtle and harder to detect.
Identifying Signs of Nursing Home Abuse
With abuse taking so many different forms, there is no sure-fire warning sign that points towards abuse in 100 percent of cases. Abuse may be as obvious as bruises and bite marks on a resident or as subtle as a change in sleeping patterns and general depression. If a loved one fears reporting abuse or is being threatened by their abuser, they may not be able to come right out and talk about it. It is up to the watchful and discerning eyes of friends and family to put the puzzle pieces together. What you can always be sure of is that abuse, no matter the form, always leaves its mark, sometimes physically, sometimes emotionally.
Here are some of the signs to be wary of:
- Broken bones or multiple falls
- Bruises or cuts
- Burns
- Unexplained marks as if a resident was restrained
- Poor hygiene
- Unchanged or unwashed lines or unwashed clothing
- Bedsores
- Malnourishment
- Dehydration
- Sudden change in eating or sleeping patterns
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Suicide attempts
- Blood in underwear
- Blood on bed linens
- Sexually transmitted infections
- Difficulty sitting or standing
- Bruises on thighs
- Refusing to cooperate with staff members or caregivers
- Withdraws from family, friends, or favorite activities
- Sudden change in a financial situation
- Possessions that go missing from their room
If you notice any of these warning signs or other concerning behavior that is out of character for your loved one, please don’t be afraid to speak up. A lawyer may not be the first person that you think of calling but, in fact, a skilled attorney may be one of your best resources for getting to the bottom of your suspicions.
The legal team at Karlin, Fleisher & Falkenberg, LLC is willing to listen to your situation, offer sound legal advice, and support you through this difficult time. No one cares more about protecting your family than you, but we come a remarkably close second. Trust us to investigate your concerns.
Elder Abuse Risk Factors
An elderly loved one may be in the care of a nursing home for a variety of reasons. It may be due to a medical condition, a cognitive impairment or condition like dementia, or a general need for more help in completing everyday tasks. In any case, they are relying on the help of skilled caregivers to attend to their needs.
Some abusers thrive on preying on the elderly because of these very factors. It can make them vulnerable and easier to abuse. In addition, since they are dependent on the caregiver from everything from basic needs like food and water to medication for their medical concerns, abusers may be able to manipulate residents into keeping silent about their treatment.
One of the most vulnerable groups among the elderly population is those with cognitive conditions, such as dementia. Many times, they become the prime targets for abuse because staff members have an easier time getting away with continuing the abuse. Those with cognitive impairments may not be able to communicate that they are being abused. Even worse, if they are able to communicate their distress, many times that are written off or ignored, and their claims are not taken seriously because of their condition.
Again, this is why it is so important for family members to take an active role in monitoring their loved one’s health and safety while they are residents in a nursing home facility.
Contact a Symphony Care Network Nursing Home Abuse Attorney Today
Are you being abused in a Symphony Care Network nursing home facility? Do you suspect that a family member could be suffering from abuse at the hands of a nursing home caregiver or staff member? Now is the time to act. The nursing home abuse attorneys with Karlin, Fleisher & Falkenberg, LLC have experience investigating cases just like yours. We’ll help you take steps, if needed, to protect your loved one, and we’ll work hard to secure the compensation you need to move forward.
Contact us today at 312-346-8620 for a free consultation. We take your concerns seriously and will listen to you with a compassionate heart and an ear for the details.