Maryland Nursing Home Lawyer Blog
When we send our loved ones to nursing homes, we expect to be able to trust that the facility is taking good care of them. Abuse and neglect in Maryland nursing homes, however, is more common than you may think. For many elders, suffering in silence is common because they may require 24-hour care or are afraid to speak up. When such abuse takes place, those who are responsible must be held accountable.
According to a recent news report, a local state Attorney General announced her plans to assemble a team of agents who will make unannounced visits to local nursing homes to investigate potential cases of abuse and neglect. Based on complaints, performance metrics, and other data on nursing homes, the team will decide which nursing homes to visit. By proactively taking a deeper dive into this area, the initiative could address criminal activity that stemming from abuse and neglect of elders that often takes place in nursing homes undetected. Unlike the state’s licensing and regulatory affairs branch—which already oversees nursing homes for licensing violations—this task force will focus on abuse and neglect violations. The goal, according to state officials, is to ensure that substandard care is eliminated in long-term health care facilities like nursing homes and that potential abuse is addressed.
How Common Is Elder Abuse in Maryland Nursing Homes?
In Maryland, elder abuse and neglect in nursing homes is all too common. With more than 24,500 nursing homes in the state and a growing aging population, the issue will only become more amplified in the future. Nursing home residents, who often need round-the-clock care and support, rely on staff at these facilities to ensure that they can continue to have the best quality of life possible. When abuse takes place, it is crucial that you know what steps to take to protect your loved ones.
In Maryland, state and federal laws protect nursing home residents and make these facilities both criminally and civilly liable if they abuse or neglect residents in their care. Maryland’s Department of Health and Mental Hygiene monitors nursing homes throughout the state, and facilities are required to follow state and federal regulations that outline specific policies designed to protect residents.
To best protect your loved ones, it is crucial that you know the signs of abuse or neglect. If there are unexplained instances of physical injuries such as bruising or broken bones, significant weight loss or dehydration, sudden changes in temperament or behavior, or missing personal items such as money or belongings, abuse may be taking place. If you suspect that a loved one is experiencing abuse or neglect, it is crucial that you seek out an experienced nursing home attorney and contact Maryland’s Adult Protective Services, the police, and the Office of Health Care Quality.
Do You Need a Maryland Nursing Home Attorney?
If someone you love has recently experienced nursing home abuse or neglect in Maryland, contact the attorneys at Lebowitz & Mzhen for assistance today. Our lawyers have recovered more than $55 million for our clients and will work tirelessly to help you get the compensation you deserve. To schedule a free initial consultation with a member of our team, contact us at 800-654-1949.