There are specific members of the Spokane population who are at a higher risk for abuse than other members. Children, the mentally ill, and the elderly are all at the most risk for abuse. Unfortunately, the abuse of these individuals is more frequent than one would hope. Since Spokane is densely populated, the numbers suggest there may be a higher number of incidents in this city compared to others simply because there are more elderly to begin with. Although they are in a high-risk group for abuse, this does not mean there is no recourse when it comes to holding those who are guilty responsible. An experienced Spokane nursing home abuse lawyer can help loved ones address this issue to find justice for the abused and hopefully make strides toward the prevention of abuse in the future.
Where to Report Elder Abuse
Because this is such a significant problem, the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services has set up a system for reporting elder and nursing home abuse. In fact, there are even those who are mandatory reporters. This means they have to report abuse or risk losing their professional licenses and possibly even being held liable as accomplices to the crime.
Common Types of Nursing Home Abuse
There are a wide variety of abuses that occur in nursing homes. It’s important for loved ones to be able to recognize these signs so that they can stop the abuse and tend to their loved ones. Some of the most common types of abuse and their associated signs are listed below:
- Emotional or Mental: This type of abuse involves threats, intimidation, and manipulation. Recipients may avoid discussing the details of their living situations. They may even avoid loved ones who come to visit them as they seek to protect their loved ones or themselves from further threats. This type of abuse can also extend to withholding necessary services or medication.
- Sexual: Sexual predators sometimes seek out the elderly who are in nursing homes because they sometimes lack the strength of younger individuals. The victims may show bruising; withdraw from loved ones; or demonstrate changes in body language, dress, daily habits, and mannerisms.
- Physical: Physical abuse doesn’t always mean striking someone. In nursing homes it sometimes occurs in the form of rough handling or a refusal of service. Such abuse might be indicated through bruising and withdrawal.
- Neglect: Neglect is one of the most common types of abuse in nursing homes. It ranges from a lack of effort in preventing things such as bedsores to neglecting dietary and medication needs. Patients may lack energy or ask for items or assistance they don’t normally ask for.
- Exploitation: Exploitation is normally carried out in financial terms. The victim might ask loved ones for help with money or getting basic needs met.
Unfortunately, because of their living situations and because the elderly are often dependent on those who are abusing them, they may not report the abuse for fear of repercussions from their abusers. This means that it’s generally up to the people who love them to look out for the signs of abuse and to make sure they are being cared for as they should be in the nursing home. This isn’t always easy, and addressing neglect and abuse can become a complicated matter for everyone involved.
Handling Nursing Home Abuse and Compensation
Washington state has several laws in place that can help the victim and their loved ones recover as much as possible from the damages of abuse. An experienced Spokane nursing home abuse lawyer with Craig Swapp & Associates can help the victim and his or her family when the time comes to take action. Our loved ones should not have to suffer at the hands of the people who are supposed to care for them, and experienced nursing home abuse lawyers can help keep it from happening to someone else’s loved one in the future.
If you or someone you love has possibly experienced nursing home abuse, you can’t afford to wait. Contact our office online immediately or call 1-800-404-9000 for a free consultation so we can help.
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