Many older adults in Texas find it difficult to care for themselves due to certain physical and mental health conditions. Nursing homes and personal caretakers can provide the elderly with the support they need as they get older. However, there are many reports nationwide of older adults facing abuse and neglect at the hands of those who are supposed to care for them. Fortunately, there are laws in place to protect your loved ones and ensure that these negligent caretakers and facilities are held responsible for their actions.
What are the signs of elder neglect?
Older adults may be physically, emotionally, and financially vulnerable, and may not be able to speak up if they are being mistreated. Family and friends of the elderly must pay special attention to their loved ones and look for the signs of abuse and neglect.
Elder abuse can include physical abuse, mental abuse, and financial abuse. Common signs of abuse and neglect include:
- Unexplained physical injuries (e.g., cuts, bed sores, bruises, burns, broken bones, sprains)
- Repeated physical injuries
- Torn clothing
- Difficulty sleeping
- Depression, anxiety, or acting withdrawn
- Unwashed hair or dirty clothing
- Weight loss
- Unpaid bills despite having financial resources to pay them
Common forms of nursing home negligence
Negligence occurs when a nursing home facility and/or caretakers breach the duty of care they owe to their residents. Here are some common types of nursing home negligence:
- Failure to provide adequate staffing.
- Intimidation, humiliation, or harassment of resident.
- Isolation of the resident.
- Refusal to feed or bathe resident.
- Failure to properly administer medication.
- Failure to provide clean, sanitary living environment.
- Sexual abuse of resident.
If you think your loved one may be getting neglected or abused by their caretaker, you may be able to file a legal claim against the negligent or abusive caretaker for failing to provide adequate care. An attorney specializing in elder law can help take legal action to ensure your loved one is safe and well-cared for.