Many New Mexico residents may be aware of the financial and physical abuse that sometimes occurs in nursing homes. However, psychological elder abuse is a serious problem that is often difficult to recognize and easy to ignore. While the signs of psychological abuse may not be as obvious as those of physical abuse, there are often severe long-term consequences. Nursing home residents, employees and family members may be able to reduce the risk of ongoing abuse when they are able to recognize common signs.
Recognizing psychological abuse in nursing homes
Should security cameras be installed in nursing home rooms?
When you put your elderly family friend or loved one in a nursing home, you may do your research to find a facility that you feel is safe. Yet, an alarming number of elderly nursing home residents are victims of some form of nursing home abuse. At least 1 in 10 senior citizens over the age of 60, have been victimized by elder abuse, according to the National Council on Aging. The numbers are thought to be much higher, however, as many cases go unreported. In order to protect your loved one from such abuse, you may want to install a security camera in his or her room. There are ethical and privacy concerns with doing so.
Dementia: Higher risk for abuse in nursing homes?
As your friends and loved ones age, you may be forced to consider putting them in a long-term care facility or nursing home to ensure they have constant access to medical personnel. This is especially true if your elderly loved one is one of the five million people in the United States currently suffering from dementia. Dementia is a progressive brain disease, that causes loss of memory, confusion, disorientation and affects peoples’ ability to communicate, problem-solve, focus and complete everyday tasks. Alzheimer’s disease is a common form of this disorder caused by plaque build-up in the brain. Sadly, people who have this disorder may be targeted as abuse victims in nursing home facilities because of their inability to communicate and defend themselves against their attackers.
How do bedsores form?
New Mexico residents like you trust in the care facilities watching over your loved ones to do a good job. Unfortunately, neglect is an issue in the care industry and you may run into it yourself someday. Today, we'll take a look at one possible sign of neglect: bedsores.
Nursing home abuse and TBIs
At the Harvey & Foote Law Firm in New Mexico, we represent numerous people who have received serious injuries as the result of nursing home abuse and neglect. We therefore realize that nursing home residents, especially elderly ones, face a high risk of sustaining a traumatic brain injury if and when they fall.
Building a strong nursing abuse claim
As loved ones age, they require more care. When you turn to an adult care facility to provide that care, you expect them to uphold the standard of care your loved one deserves.
