Fort Myers Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer

There are 3.2 million elderly people living in nursing homes and other care facilities in the U.S., and 40 percent of the current population can expect to live in a long term care facility at some point in their lifetime, according to one source. Elder abuse is a growing problem in Fort Myers and across the country. With an aging population, the number of nursing homes staffed with caring, competent staff must keep up with the demand, which may prove to be a difficult task to accomplish. Already, nursing home abuse and assisted living abuse occurs on an all too frequent level. Elder abuse is comprised of five main categories: physical abuse, sexual abuse, psychological or emotional abuse, financial abuse, and neglect. If you or a loved one has been or is currently experiencing any form of abuse or neglect, contact an experienced Fort Myers nursing home abuse lawyer immediately.

Types of Abuse

Physical Abuse – When a staff member hits, pushes, grabs, or commits any forceful or unwanted physical contact, it is considered physical abuse. Signs of physical abuse are bruising, cuts, injuries to both sides of the body, and signs of cowering or fear.

Sexual Abuse – Any unwanted sexual contact or molestation is considered sexual abuse. Older people are sometimes seen as easy prey for sexual predators that may be working in nursing home facilities. Residents with dementia or Alzheimer’s are at an even greater risk of sexual abuse and other forms of abuse, according to the Alzheimer’s Association. They may be less capable of retaliating or reporting the abuse, or fully comprehending what took place. Signs of sexual abuse include bruising, not wanting visitors, fear of certain staff members, and sudden and severe depression without an explanation.

Emotional or Psychological Abuse – Not all abuse includes physical harm. When a staff member yells, belittles, or threatens a resident, it is considered to be emotional or psychological abuse. Verbal harassment in and of itself is severely damaging to anyone, especially if the abused has no daily escape from the abuser.

Neglect – Confinement, lack of toiletries and clean bedding/clothing, administering improper medicine or the wrong dosages, and withholding food and other necessities are all examples of neglect. All nursing home and other long-term care facilities must not interfere with the wishes of the residents. Residents have a right to make their own decisions, and a right to all of the comforts and necessities that they require. It is unlawful to withhold food, water, or clean bedding as a form of punishment. Signs of neglect include malnourishment, sudden, declines in health, and a newly unkempt appearance.

Financial Abuse – Millions of dollars are taken from older people through fraudulent means every year. Older people are easier targets for internet scams as well as nursing home staff who may wish to change an older person’s will or acquire financial “gifts” through deceptive measures. Signs of financial abuse include sudden losses in savings, unexplained bank account withdrawals, and unpaid bills.

Contact our Experienced Fort Myers Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers

If you or a family member has suffered any form of abuse or neglect, contact one of our Fort Myers nursing home abuse lawyers today at The Pendas Law Firm, or call us at 1-844-200-0000 as soon as possible. We will advocate for your rights aggressively throughout each step of your case.