When it comes to the safety and well-being of our elderly loved ones, understanding the intricacies of their care becomes crucial. Many families entrust nursing homes in California to provide their relatives with the support and attention they require. However, unfortunate circumstances sometimes arise in the form of neglect or abuse. But are they the same? Please continue reading and reach out to a dedicated California nursing home abuse lawyer from Cowdrey Jenkins, LLP to learn more about the differences between nursing home abuse and neglect and how our legal team can help if your loved one is a victim. Here are some of the questions you may have:
What Constitutes Nursing Home Abuse?
Nursing home abuse is an intentional act where the caregiver or staff member causes harm, pain, or distress to a resident. This can manifest in various forms, such as:
- Physical Abuse: This refers to intentional actions that lead to pain or injury, such as hitting, slapping, or using excessive force.
- Emotional or Psychological Abuse: This encompasses verbal and non-verbal actions that inflict emotional pain, distress, or anguish. Examples include humiliation, threats, and isolation.
- Sexual Abuse: Any non-consensual sexual act or interaction falls under this category.
- Financial Abuse: The illegal or unauthorized use of a resident’s assets, property, or funds.
What is Nursing Home Neglect?
While abuse is intentional harm, neglect in a nursing home setting arises from the failure of the facility or its staff to provide the needed care. It’s an act of omission rather than commission. There are different types of neglect:
- Basic Needs Neglect: This involves not providing the resident with adequate water, food, or a safe and clean environment.
- Medical Neglect: Failure to administer medications correctly, neglecting to treat bedsores, or not attending to the medical needs of the resident.
- Personal Hygiene Neglect: Not assisting residents with cleaning, bathing, laundry, or other personal care activities.
- Social or Emotional Neglect: Ignoring the resident, leaving them alone, or not providing social or emotional support.
Are There Overlapping Signs Between Abuse and Neglect?
Yes, there are. It’s essential to be vigilant about the signs, as they can often be subtle. Some common symptoms to watch for include:
- Unexplained injuries or bruises
- Sudden changes in behavior or mood
- Bedsores or unattended medical needs
- Withdrawal from social activities
- Fear or anxiety around certain staff members
- Unexplained financial discrepancies
How Can Cowdrey Jenkins, LLP Help?
At Cowdrey Jenkins, LLP, we prioritize the well-being of our clients and their loved ones. If you suspect that your relative is a victim of nursing home abuse or neglect, our team of experienced attorneys is here to help. We will meticulously investigate your claims, gather evidence, and fight to ensure the responsible parties are held accountable.