Caregivers, family members, and nursing home staff members abuse an estimated five million senior citizens every year in the United States. Even more shocking is that only 1 in 14 cases of nursing home abuse or elder abuse is ever reported.
The elderly are at an increased risk for suffering serious abuse and neglect. Social isolation, physical limitations, and mental impairment make them easy targets for abusive caregivers and staff. Recent studies indicate that half of all seniors who suffer from dementia also experience some form of abuse or neglect.
If you believe that your loved one suffered nursing home abuse in Alabama, it is important to know where you can find help. Reporting the abuse is key to preventing the abuse from continuing. In addition, an Alabama nursing home abuse attorney will hold the negligent institution and abusive caregivers accountable for the harm your loved one has suffered.
What are the Effects of Nursing Home Abuse in Alabama?
According to the Alabama Department of Public Health, there are 231 nursing homes in the state of Alabama, providing care to more than 27,000 residents. The vast majority of residents in nursing homes in the state receive more hours of care per day from certified nursing assistants than the national average.
Sadly, nursing home abuse still occurs in Alabama and at an alarming rate. Elders in Alabama who have been abused have a 300% higher risk of death.
In order to better help their loved ones, families need to understand the complications and effects of nursing home abuse.
- Bruises, lacerations, fractures, and wounds
- Chronic pain and soreness
- Head and neck injuries
- Dehydration and malnutrition
- Bedsores
- Infections
- Worsening overall health
- Increased vulnerability to illnesses and diseases
- Insomnia and sleep difficulties
- Eating disorders
- STDs
- Depression and anxiety
Reporting Nursing Home Abuse in Alabama
If you suspect that your loved one has been a victim of nursing home abuse, it is important to report this abuse. Families and caregivers can take the following steps to report this abuse:
- Call 911 if you believe that your loved one is in imminent danger
- Contact Adult Protective Services Office in Alabama (1-800-458-7214)
- Call the ElderCare hotline at (1-800-356-9596)
- Contact Long-term Care Ombudsman
- Call the police
- Notify the nursing home supervisor or management staff
- Contact an experienced Alabama nursing home abuse attorney
Nursing homes will often go to extraordinary lengths to cover up any wrongdoing. This can significantly impact your ability to care for your loved one and prevent further abuse from occurring. When this happens, families of nursing home abuse victims must turn to an experienced Alabama nursing home abuse attorney to help them through this difficult time.
Contact Our Alabama Nursing Home Abuse Attorneys
No one deserves to be abused or neglected. Elderly residents have a right to live in a safe environment, free from abuse and harassment. When a nursing home staff member, caregiver, or medical professional abuses your loved one, we can help. At Tommy James Law, our Alabama nursing home abuse attorneys have successfully represented Alabama citizens who have suffered abuse and neglect.
Call us today at (205) 843-5086 or fill out our confidential contact form for more information and a free initial consultation. Attorney Tommy James offers compassionate and aggressive legal representation every step of the way. Call today!