When you make the emotionally difficult decision to place a loved one in a nursing home, you have every right to expect that he or she will be well taken care of. Although most nursing home employees are hardworking and conscientious, it only takes a few bad apples to cause serious harm. In addition, many nursing homes are intentionally understaffed to save on expenses, meaning employees are over worked and more prone to mistakes. Training may be skimpy, and screening procedures for new hires may be lax.
Nursing home abuse can take various forms:
- Physical abuse includes inadequately explained bruises, fractures, scrapes, sores, lacerations, burns, and forced restraint.
- Emotional abuse may lead to the resident being fearful or depressed, withdrawing from social interaction, displaying other unusual behavior, or possibly losing weight or hair. Sexual-abuse symptoms often overlap physical- and emotional-abuse symptoms.
- Financial exploitation of a vulnerable resident may involve influencing them to initiate certain financial transactions or change their will, among other possibilities.
- A resident’s daily needs may be neglected—proper hygiene, nutrition, medical care, and access to medical aids (e.g., glasses, dentures, etc.), among others.
If you suspect nursing home abuse or neglect and that individual is in immediate, life-threating danger, call 911 immediately. If the situation is not life-threatening, promptly register your concerns with management. If you feel that the law has been broken, contact local law enforcement or the district attorney’s office to file a report. It is important that you document the neglect or abuse with photos and written notes.
Every Wisconsin county has an elder abuse agency that will look into reported incidents of abuse, negligent, financial exploitation, and self-neglect. Therefore, if you suspect abuse of an elder (over age 60) or an adult-at-risk (ages 18 to 59, call the specific county help line. You can find your number by visiting the Wisconsin Department of Health Services at www.dhw.wisconsin.gov/aps/ear-agencies.htm. The Wisconsin Ombudsman can also help investigate any complaints. For more information call 800-815-0015 or visit them at www.longtermcare.wi.gov.
It is also important to contact an experienced nursing home injury attorney. He or she can offer guidance on your legal options and make sure that your loved one’s rights are being protected.
Domnitz & Domnitz, S.C. are experienced nursing home abuse attorneys who will fight for your family when it matters most!