The U.S. nursing home resident advocacy group Families for Better Care released a report card earlier this year that graded each state on the quality of its nursing homes. Sadly, Texas was named the worst in the country for how poorly the elderly are treated in assisted care facilities.
The non-profit group evaluated each state based on staffing, complaints, deficiencies, overall quality inspections, and professional nursing levels. According to the study, one in five nursing homes is guilty of abusing, neglecting, or mistreating residents.
Identifying Nursing Home Abuse
If you suspect that your loved one may be the victim of abuse or neglect, it is crucial that you are able to identify common signs of ill-treatment and take immediate action to prevent further harm.
Physical Abuse – Unexplained injuries, bruises, or cuts are telltale signs of physical abuse, as well as signs of physical restraint, such as rope marks or bedsores. If an elderly individual is kept in an over-medicated state in order to keep him or her sedate, it is also considered physical abuse.
Neglect – It can be difficult to determine whether your loved one is the victim of neglect. However, bedsores, drastic weight loss, dehydration, or poor diet can be the result of negligence care.
Emotional Abuse – Aggressive or manipulative treatment can have a serious impact on an elderly resident’s well-being. If he or she shows a change in personality or behavior, it may be the result of emotional abuse.
Financial Abuse – In many cases, elderly residents allow caretakers and nursing home staff to manage their bank accounts on their behalf. But irregular banking habits, unexplained withdrawals, or sudden changes to financial documents may indicate financial abuse.
Unfortunately, abuse can take many forms and it is important that if you have chosen to rely on a nursing home to care for your loved one that you closely monitor how well he or she is treated. A failing state grade does not mean that every nursing home in Texas is poorly suited to caring for the elderly, but do not hesitate to call the authorities if you suspect your loved one is being mistreated.
Trusted Texas Attorneys
The Waco nursing home abuse lawyers at Brown Trial Firm, PLLC have a strong reputation of success for holding nursing home facilities accountable for their negligence or wrongdoing. Call us for a free and confidential consultation if you believe that your loved one is the victim of abuse or neglect in a nursing home.