Why Does Nursing Home Abuse Still Happen?
In our modern-day and age, you would not expect to still hear news stories about nursing home staff being accused of abuse to elderly residents. You would think that by now, our society would have overcome the problem of nursing home abuse. The dismal reality is that nursing home abuse and neglect still happen. One question that comes to many people’s minds is why. Another question that might come to your mind if your loved one was abused or neglected is what legal action you can take.
Do not hesitate to contact a Delaware nursing home abuse lawyer if your loved one suffered damages as a result of nursing home staff negligence.
TOP CAUSES OF NURSING HOME ABUSE
There are three top causes of nursing home abuse in the United States that likely play a role in the types of nursing home abuse that happen in Delaware. The three main causes are stress, staff burnout, and poor staff training or aggression. When these three causes become unchecked and out of control, nursing home abuse and neglect can increase and harm nursing home residents.
Being aware of these different causes can help you identify what may have led up to your loved one’s abuse or neglect. Stress is something that everyone faces but serves as no excuse for the damages your loved one suffered. One factor that significantly increases nursing home staff stress is nursing home staff shortages. Shortages have the effect of applying higher pressure on one staff member to carry on with more tasks than usual and often for a longer period of time.
Staff burnout can also happen as a result of staff shortages. Burnout means a staff member is exhausted from their job and multiple responsibilities. This can result in shorter tempers, increased aggression, and a tendency to not follow rules to either save time or energy. Poor staff training on what to do when a resident is aggressive or noncooperative can lead to maladaptive and harmful responses to residents.
IDENTIFYING NURSING HOME ABUSE AND TAKING ACTION
Identifying nursing home abuse is more important than recognizing the causes because you will need to list the type of abuse in your medical malpractice claim against the nursing home. The main types of nursing home abuse include:
- Sexual Abuse
- Physical Abuse
- Neglect or Abandonment
- Emotional or Psychological Abuse
- Financial Abuse or Exploitation
Recognizing signs of nursing home abuse means keeping a watch out for unexplainable bruises, scars, fears, anxieties, and financial losses. When your loved one shows any signs of intimidation or fear when certain nursing home staff members enter the room, this could be another sign. The next step involves talking with your loved one about this.
NURSING HOME ABUSE ATTORNEY IN DELAWARE
If your loved one suffered injuries or other damages at the hands of a nursing home staff member, then try reaching out to a Nursing home abuse lawyer in Delaware to see what your legal options are. Contact Edelstein Martin & Nelson today at (302) 295-5050 for a free consultation. Our personal injury lawyers are located in Wilmington, Delaware.