Nursing homes are supposed to be professional care facilities for the elderly. Yet some nursing homes in Oklahoma and across the country treat patients with disrespect, neglect and even abuse. If you are the victim of elder care abuse, or if you suspect your loved one may be being taken advantage of or harmed in any way by an elder care facility, seek competent legal help as soon as possible. With an experienced legal team by your side, you can file a claim against whoever is liable for causing you or your family member harm.
Some of the most common forms of nursing home abuse include:
- Physical abuse — Since elderly patients are often weak and frail, they are unable to fight back or defend themselves if attacked. Any form of kicking, striking, hitting, pushing, pinching or slapping can constitute physical abuse. If your loved one has bruises, burns, scabs or other marks on his or her body, he or she may be the victim of nursing home abuse.
- Neglect — Depriving a patient of food, water, medicine or other necessities is another terrible form of abuse. Signs of neglect include sudden weight loss, depression and weakness.
- Financial abuse — Not all forms of abuse are physical. In some cases, nurses or orderlies may financially abuse a patient by stealing personal belongings or by committing more serious theft crimes like embezzlement, identity theft and fraud.
- Sexual abuse — Sexual assault and abuse does occur in nursing home facilities.
Nursing home abuse can sometimes be hard to detect. The moment you believe you or your loved one is a victim of abuse, you should consult with Oklahoma elder abuse lawyers like Stipe Law Firm.