Maryland Nursing Home Lawyer Blog
Over the past several decades, there has been a societal shift in the United States toward a household in which both parents work out of the home. Indeed, as of 2016, roughly two-thirds of all families were composed of two income earners. Most often, this means both parents are away from the home during the day.
Unlike in years past, today’s working families do not have the ability to care for their aging loved ones. This has correspondingly led to an increase in the number of elderly people being admitted to nursing homes. Currently, it is estimated that there are over 3.5 million nursing home residents. And while Maryland nursing homes present a good solution in theory, in reality, nursing homes are rarely “as advertised.”
Too often, nursing homes are understaffed with underqualified employees. This creates a situation in which abuse and neglect are rampant. Indeed, it is estimated that over 40% of nursing home residents will experience some form of abuse during their stay, and nearly 90% of nursing home residents report being neglected. Given the limited interaction between a nursing home resident and the outside world, it is believed that these figures may be an underestimation.
The Signs of Abuse and Neglect
According to a recent news report, there are certain red flags that family members with a loved one in a Maryland nursing home should keep an eye out to notice. To start, it is important to realize that abuse may not result in visible bruises, although bruises are a tell-tale sign of nursing home abuse. More often than not, abusive caregivers will not leave visible marks on their victims, but the damage may be equally devastating.
Signs of abuse can be broken down into three main categories: physical signs, emotional disturbances, and a decrease in activity level.
- Physical signs: unexplained weight loss, an unkempt appearance, dirty clothes, and the presence of bed sores all can indicate that a resident is experiencing abuse or neglect.
- Activity changes: isolating oneself from friends and family, trouble sleeping, and a decreased interest in activities that used to be enjoyable are also signs of abuse or neglect.
- Emotional disturbances: appearing confused or depressed, as well as increased aggression or fear, may be signs of abuse.
Is Your Loved One at Risk?
If you have a loved one in a Maryland nursing home, and you are concerned that they are not receiving the care they deserve, contact a dedicated Maryland personal injury attorney at the law firm of Lebowitz & Mzhen Personal Injury Lawyers to discuss your options. It may be that you or your loved one are entitled to monetary compensation based on the injustices your loved one has endured. To learn more, call 410-654-3600 to schedule a free consultation with a dedicated Maryland personal injury lawyer at Lebowitz & Mzhen. At Lebowitz & Mzhen, we ensure that our clients are well represented from the beginning of their case to the end, and we make an effort to keep our clients informed about the process of their case along the way. Call today to schedule your free consultation.
More Blog Posts:
Video Evidence Is Catching More Abusive Caretakers in the Act, Maryland Nursing Home Lawyer Blog, published March 23, 2018.
Court Refuses to Enforce Arbitration Agreement in Recent Nursing Home Case, Maryland Nursing Home Lawyer Blog, published April 6, 2018.