Nursing Home Neglect and Abuse

Difficult to detect and even harder to fathom is the widespread abuse and neglect of elderly and disabled residents of nursing homes and assisted living facilities. Sadly, it is sometimes the very people we entrust with the care of our elderly relatives and physically or psychologically impaired loved ones who are hurting them. Fueled by persistent cost-cutting efforts at the facilities, which leads to inadequate staffing, low-waged and minimally qualified caregivers, and high turnover, this has become a nationwide tragedy.

Experience shows that the majority of elderly or disabled victims are unlikely to complain due to their disability or fear of losing the little care they are receiving. Therefore, it is important that those who care about them recognize the warning signs of abuse or neglect, including:

• Bedsores
• Bruises, burns, cuts, fractures, or sprains
• Pressure sores
• Malnutrition
• Dehydration
• Persistent overmedication
• Unexplained injury or death
• Sudden weight loss
• Sudden behavioral change
• Restraints
• Staff inattention
• Unexplained venereal disease
• Vaginal or anal bleeding
• Torn, stained, or bloodied underclothing or bedding
• Staff refusal or delaying of visitors
• Loss of possessions
• Unexplained withdrawals from bank accounts
• Sudden changes to a will

If there are any warning signs or indicators that your elderly or disabled loved one is or has been a victim of abuse or negligence as a resident of a nursing home or assisted living facility, contact me.  I want to help put an end to the abuse or neglect and hold the facility and staff accountable.

The Law Office of George S. Johnson, LLC
The Manning Leipold Building
910 Church Street, Suite 202
Decatur, GA 30030
PH: 404.378.5878 FAX: 404.377.5750