Elder abuse cases have wide-reaching and long-term effects. Abused elders have to deal with emotional, physical, and financial consequences for years. There is a major impact on the loved ones of elderly victims as well. Fortunately, the law provides ways for families to combat the severe effects of elder abuse. This makes nursing homes safer for everyone.
You should consider consulting with an experienced nursing home abuse attorney if your loved one suffered emotional, physical, sexual, financial, or any other type of abuse while in the care of a nursing home.
Long-term Effects of Nursing Home Abuse
There are widespread consequences of nursing home abuse on older adults and their families. Seniors that experienced abuse may suffer permanent or long-term complications, such as mental health problems and physical disabilities. Nursing home abuse can leave the family of an older person financially devastated and emotionally traumatized.
Abuse can cause severe deficiencies in a person, regardless of their age. The family has to bear the medical expenses stemming as a result of the abuse. Elderly adults are at the mercy of the nursing home staff. A majority of seniors are unable to take care of themselves. Highly toxic environment can be created in the nursing home if elder abuse is left unchecked. Abusers may repeatedly harm other older adults.
Impact of Elder Abuse on the Family
Elder abuse doesn’t just impact the victim. It also negatively affects the ones they love. Family members routinely trust vulnerable but loved seniors to caregivers, relatives, and nursing homes. The family members expect nursing homes to properly care for the older members. Family members and loved ones may feel guilt and sorrow when abuse occurs.
Take Action in Elder Abuse
Nursing home and elder abuse can have devastating consequences. It’s crucial for loved ones and seniors to take action. They need to get the necessary help for reducing and managing the long-term effects. These are a few steps that should be taken:
- Call the authorities, like 911, nursing home ombudsman, and Adult Protective Services (APS)
- Discuss your legal options with a nursing home abuse attorney
- Get your family member a safe space if there has been severe neglect or abuse
- Make sure cuts, bedsores, infections, and scrapes among other health problems are promptly treated
- Stay in regular touch with your elderly family member if they are staying in a nursing home
There are ways to pursue legal and medical action if your elderly loved ones suffered abuse. This may not be able to undo the harm caused, but it can reduce the long-term effects of abuse.
- Medical care is necessary for helping patients manage their mental health problems and physical injuries
- Legal compensation gives you the opportunity to seek compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering, and other damages from the abuser and nursing home
Talk to a Capable Nursing Home Abuse Attorney
No one deserves abuse, especially vulnerable seniors. You should speak with the team at Walton Law if your loved one was hurt or harmed. Our team can help you pursue legal compensation. We can discuss your legal options during a free case review. To schedule your free consultation, call us at (866) 338-7079 or fill out this online contact form.