We trust nursing homes to provide caring, healthy and safe environments for our elderly loved ones when they are no longer able to care for themselves.
Sadly, according to the World Health Organization, one in every six nursing home residents experiences some form of abuse each year. Rates of elder abuse are high in nursing homes and long-term care facilities, with 2 in 3 staff members reporting they had abused residents in the last year. It should come as no surprise considering that over the last two decades nursing homes have been plagued with reports of widespread violation and mistreatment of residents often leading to injury or death.
One significant factor affecting incidences of nursing home abuse and neglect is staffing. Nursing homes are notorious for being understaffed, for hiring inexperienced or unqualified workers and failure of proper supervision. This creates a situation that is ripe for neglect, mistakes and abuse. To make matters worse, people living in nursing homes often suffer from physical and cognitive impairments, which makes them even more vulnerable to injury.
Common signs of nursing home abuse:
- Falls
- Decubitus ulcers/bed sores
- Overmedicating
- Dehydration
- Bruises and wounds
- Fractures
- Unexpected death
- Sudden weight loss
- Soiled clothing or bedding
- Frequent infections
- Restraint injuries
We are committed to protecting the rights of the elderly to ensure they are provided access to appropriate care and are treated with dignity and respect. If your loved one has been neglected, mistreated or suffered injury or death due to inadequate care of nursing home staff, contact our Oklahoma City nursing home attorneys today.