Nursing Home Abuse Definition
In the city of Atlanta, the elderly may become the victims of nursing home abuse. This is a serious crime that is not only punishable in criminal court, but in civil court as well. Nursing home abuse may take several forms. Knowing what to look out for can help you protect your loved one.
When you place your loved one in a nursing home, you expect that they will be given a certain type of care and be treated properly. You have the right to believe this. In unfortunate cases, the staff at care facilities may abuse the patients in their care. Abuse may come in the way of:
- Assault: This can include hitting, kicking, striking, pushing, shaking and threats.
- Lack of care: A patient may not be treated appropriately for a medical condition that they have.
- Deprivation: A patient may be deprived of food, water, medication, etc. for an extended period of time.
- Sexual assault: Patients are sometimes sexually assaulted by staff at a nursing home.
- Restraint or seclusion: Patients may be restrained to their beds or wheelchairs. They may also be secluded to a room or section of the home with little to no contact with others.
- Medications: Some patients may be given medications for reasons other than intended or authorized by a physician.
Nursing home abuse is a serious issue in Georgia and the rest of the country. If your loved one is in a care facility, keep your eyes open to any signs of abuse and, if you notice any, report them immediately.