Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect

    PHOENIX, AZ, May 05, 2010 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Nursing home abuse and neglect are on the rise in Arizona and across the U.S., as the numbers of seniors who require nursing home care increase.

Unfortunately, in so many cases, the victims of this mistreatment either cannot speak for themselves to report the abuse or neglect, or are fearful of retribution. That is why it is more important than ever for family members and friends to visit nursing-home-bound loved ones frequently and be vigilant about ensuring they receive the care they deserve.

What is Nursing Home Abuse or Neglect?
In Arizona, nursing home abuse or neglect can refer to a situation where a vulnerable adult's health has been endangered or injured by intentional physical harm, negligently caused injury, unreasonable confinement or a pattern of conduct resulting in deprivation of services without consent, by a nursing home.

Types of Abuse in a Nursing Home Setting
Patient abuse in a nursing home setting can range from intentionally inflicting physical harm to sexual assault. Other types of personal injury and abuse that can occur include:

- Shoving, shaking or slapping
- Unnecessary physical restraint
- Locking patient in a room
- Failing to prevent falls
- Wrongful death

Types of Patient Neglect in a Nursing Home Setting
Patient neglect in a nursing home setting can be more difficult to recognize. Here are a few of the most common types of neglect:

- Unsanitary living conditions
- Failure to administer medications
- Failure to provide food and water, leading to malnutrition and dehydration
- Failure to provide cooling or heating
- Failure to prevent bed sores, infections, pressure ulcers

Warning Signs of Nursing Home Abuse or Neglect
When visiting nursing home patients, be aware of the following "symptoms" that some form of abuse or neglect could be occurring:

- Unexplained wounds, bruises, welts or bleeding
- Blood-stained clothing
- Presence of physical restraint devices on bed or wheelchair
- Fearfulness from the patient when you move toward him/her
- Behavioral or physical changes that may be a result of lack of medication
- Unusual weight loss or dehydration
- Unusual drooling, drowsiness or decreased cognitive ability that may be a result of over-medicating
- Fear around certain staff members
- Lack of personal hygiene (uncombed hair, urine-soaked clothes or bed linens)
- Unusual depression or anxiety in the patient

If you believe your loved one is a victim of nursing home abuse or neglect, do not hesitate to take action with a seasoned personal injury lawyer. For nursing home residents in Phoenix, Mesa, Chandler, Glendale, Scottsdale, Tempe, or anywhere in Arizona, please use the client contact form on the website of nursing home neglect and abuse attorney Jerrold Mayro at http://www.mayrolaw.com. Mr. Mayro's office is located at 2415 E. Camelback Road, Suite 700, Phoenix, AZ 85016.

# # #