Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer Cleveland

Ohio Nursing Home Abuse

As an elder abuse attorney for more than 40 years, I have fought for the rights of our senior citizens and their families against some of Ohio’s largest nursing homes and skilled care facilities.  Our growing senior population will undoubtedly see a rise in horrific abuse and nursing home neglect, and I will fight to MAKE THEM PAY!®.

Preying on seniors is unfortunately a common occurrence in Ohio nursing homes and across the country.  When nursing home negligence escalates to nursing home abuse, the ramifications can be heart breaking.  With nowhere to turn, our elderly loved-ones need an expert in their corner. With only 1 in 14 cases of abuse estimated to be reported, it is time we hold those individuals and organizations accountable.

Types Of Abuse

Lack of medical care

Lack of medical care in a nursing home is a form of nursing home malpractice. Lack of proper medical care can result in harm, distress and even death for residents in these facilities.

When nursing home residents do not receive the medical care they require, it can have serious implications for their health and overall well-being. It may lead to the deterioration of existing health conditions, the development of preventable complications, increased pain and suffering, and a decline in quality of life. Furthermore, the lack of medical care may also be accompanied by emotional distress and feelings of neglect or abandonment.

Care managers in nursing homes may lack awareness of elder abuse and neglect, which can result in an oversight of patient safety issues. The staff responsible for managing and providing care may not have the necessary knowledge and strategies to identify cases where residents are not receiving adequate medical attention.

If you have a family member in a nursing facility, and worry their medical care is being compromised, let’s discuss the situation. Call me today!

Pinching, poking, hitting or harming a resident

Pinching, poking, and hitting are forms of elder abuse in nursing homes. Abuse is non-accidental actions or failures to take necessary actions that result in real or potential harm to a person.

Physical abuse involves the intentional use of physical force that causes pain, injury, or impairment to an elderly person. When these actions occur within the context of a nursing home, where older individuals should be receiving proper care and protection, they constitute a violation of trust and the basic human rights of the residents.

In nursing homes, residents are particularly vulnerable to physical abuse due to their age, potential physical frailty, and dependency on caregivers. Physical abuse can lead to severe physical injuries, including bruises, cuts, fractures, and internal damage. Furthermore, it can have a significant impact on the emotional and psychological well-being of the victims. This causes fear, anxiety, and a loss of trust in their caregivers and environment.

It is important to recognize that symptoms of physical abuse may not always be apparent, especially in cases where the victims have cognitive impairments, such as dementia. Symptoms of abuse can be subtle, and changes in behavior may be difficult to distinguish from the symptoms of the underlying conditions. Therefore, it is crucial for family members, staff, and other stakeholders to be vigilant and observant. Pay attention to any signs or suspicions of abuse.

If pinching, poking, or hitting is observed or suspected, it is essential to take immediate action. Reporting the abuse to the appropriate authorities, such as Adult Protective Services, can help ensure the safety and well-being of the affected individuals. Elder abuse should never be tolerated. Furthermore, measures should be taken to prevent and address such incidents, promoting a safe and compassionate environment for all nursing home residents.

Preventing physical abuse is important, but that does not mean if abuse occurs, it should not go unpunished. It breaks my heart to know that elderly abuse occurs. If you or a loved-one was hurt as a result of elder abuse in a nursing home, call me! I will find out what happened, and I’ll Make Them Pay!®

Emotionally terrorizing a resident

Emotional abuse of a nursing home patient is a form of mistreatment where an elderly person is subjected to repeated acts or behaviors that cause harm, distress, or psychological suffering. This abuse is characterized by various forms of verbal and nonverbal abuse.

Verbal abuse is one aspect that is relatively easier to identify when it occurs. It involves the use of harsh, insulting, or intimidating language towards the elderly individual. This may include yelling, name-calling, or subjecting the patient to demeaning remarks. Verbal abuse can significantly impact the emotional well-being of nursing home residents. This leads to feelings of sadness, fear, anxiety, and a loss of self-worth.

Nonverbal abuse may involve actions such as ignoring, isolating, or manipulating the resident. Caregivers may purposefully ignore the patient’s needs, isolate them from social interactions, or manipulate their emotions to exert control or cause distress. These forms of abuse can result in feelings of loneliness, helplessness, and a loss of trust in the people who should be caring for them.

This abuse in nursing homes can have severe consequences for the residents. Abuse can contribute to long-term mental health damage and even impact the physical health and overall well-being. Victims may experience depression, anxiety, withdrawal from social activities, changes in appetite, sleep disturbances, and other psychological and emotional symptoms.

Recognizing abuse is critical to exacting change. Common indicators include unexplained changes in behavior, increased agitation or withdrawal, sudden shifts in mood, fear or anxiety, and a general sense of unease around certain staff members or caregivers.

The jaw-dropping events that nursing home abuse lawyers fight to improve, are more than disturbing. Change is necessary, and holding abusers accountable is the first step. Let me help you and your family member, and maybe, we can finally help reform these practices!

Verbal abuse

Use of offensive language, insults, mockery, yelling, shouting, or demeaning remarks is despicable. It is an all too common form of emotional abuse that can have significant negative effects on patients.

Nursing home residents may already feel emotionally vulnerable due to the transition of moving into a new environment. Verbal abuse exacerbates this vulnerability, causing emotional distress and harm to the individuals. The abuse usually comes from nursing home staff, who hold positions of authority and should be providing care and support to residents .

Verbal abuse also includes making critical remarks, talking down to patients, or discussing them negatively with others. These actions belittle the dignity of the residents and can lead to feelings of shame, fear, worthlessness, and isolation.

This abuse may also contribute to the development or worsening of mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and withdrawal from social interactions. Verbal abuse can create an atmosphere of fear and hostility, adversely affecting the overall quality of life for residents.

Verbal abuse often occurs behind closed doors and in the absence of witnesses. It is important to pay attention to these indicators or any discomfort your family member may be experiencing. Documenting changes and talking to your family can help you decide if help is needed. I am an experienced nursing home abuse lawyer and a valuable resource. I am available to you day and night. Call me!

Isolation

Isolation abuse is mistreatment where an elderly resident is intentionally or negligently subjected to prolonged periods of social or emotional isolation. This falls under the broader category of abuse and neglect, which includes various forms of mistreatment experienced by older adults in care facilities.

Isolation abuse occurs when nursing home residents are deliberately separated from social interactions, activities, or contact with family and friends. It can manifest in different ways, such as confining residents to their rooms without valid reasons or intentionally limiting their access to communal spaces. Social activity experiences may also be halted, which is extremely unhealthy for senior citizens.

Financial abuse

Financial abuse is another occurrence that is all too common. It is the illegal, unauthorized, or improper use of an elderly resident’s money, benefits, belongings, property, or assets for the benefit of someone other than the elderly adult.

Financial abuse can take on various forms, including theft, fraud, exploitation, or coercion. It may be committed by individuals who have contact with, or control over a nursing home resident, including caregivers, staff, and the business itself. Most often, the abuse occurs at the hands of those who have close relationships with the elderly resident.

The consequences of financial abuse can be devastating for nursing home residents. It can result in significant financial losses, leaving the elderly individuals vulnerable and unable to meet their basic needs or afford necessary care. It can also have a profound emotional impact, eroding trust, creating feelings of betrayal, and causing stress and anxiety .

Common indicators of financial abuse include sudden and unexplained withdrawals, unauthorized changes in financial documents and missing personal items. Also, significant financial activity involving the resident’s accounts, or the sudden appearance of previously uninvolved individuals in the resident’s financial affairs are things to look out for.

Preventing financial abuse requires a proactive approach. Family members, friends, and caregivers should educate themselves about the warning signs of financial abuse and remain vigilant. Involving multiple individuals in major financial decisions can add an extra layer of protection. Regular monitoring of financial accounts and maintaining open communication with the elderly resident can help detect and prevent financial abuse.

Sexual abuse

Sexual abuse is any non-consensual or unwanted sexual activity or behavior imposed on an elderly resident. It is a distressing and alarming form of elder abuse that can occur within these care facilities.

While the percentage of reported sexual abuse in nursing homes is relatively small, researchers believe that misreported cases of physical abuse may contribute to the difficulty in accurately understanding the prevalence of sexual abuse in these settings. The underreporting of such incidents makes it crucial to raise awareness and be vigilant about this issue.

Sexual abuse in nursing homes can take on various forms, including but not limited to non-consensual sexual contact, unwanted touching, groping, and sexual assault. Other forms include coerced nudity, or exposing residents to sexual material without their consent. Perpetrators can include staff members, caregivers, fellow residents, or even visitors to the facility.

Identifying signs of sexual abuse in nursing home residents can be challenging, particularly because victims may be hesitant or unable to communicate the abuse. However, physical indicators such as unexplained bruising in genital areas, breasts, or inner thighs, unexplained vaginal infections or bleeding, and pain or irritation in the genital area. Look for changes in behavior, withdrawal, anxiety, or signs of fear can be potential signs of sexual abuse.

Preventing and addressing sexual abuse in nursing homes requires a multifaceted approach. Family members, caregivers, and staff should receive appropriate training to recognize the signs of sexual abuse and be prepared to respond effectively. It is essential to create a supportive and safe environment that encourages victims to come forward and report any incidents.

Nursing homes should implement robust policies and protocols aimed at preventing and addressing sexual abuse. This includes thorough background checks and screenings for staff members and providing education and training on resident rights, abuse prevention, and reporting procedures. Regular monitoring, supervision, and accountability are essential to maintain a safe environment for all residents.

Our seniors have worked so hard to help create the incredible world we all enjoy and take for granted.  Protecting their safety and their dignity is my number one priority.

Nursing Home Abuse in Cleveland, Ohio

Unskilled caregivers, and even trusted medical staff can often be the perpetrators of elder abuse in nursing homes and assisted living facilities.  Recent Ohio ratings indicate extensive issues and record low scores, largely in part due to the quality of staff and the training they receive.

• Training minimums reported to be 50% less than other states

• Patient / resident to staff ratio lower than average

• 41% of Ohio’s facilities received a POOR rating

• 31 reported deaths in 3 years, as a result of care related issues

• Over $6 million in fines in 3 years

Elder abuse is a serious offense in nursing homes. My unequivocal commitment to protecting our seniors and their dignity and safety is documented in over 40 years of successful outcomes. If you or your loved one was abused at a nursing home or skilled nursing facility, call me and I’ll Make Them Pay!®