Robbins & Associates, PC

If someone you know, a friend or a relative is in a nursing home, then watching out for signs of elder abuse is important. Generally speaking, elder abuse occurs in nursing homes that are understaffed or have under-qualified employees. Because of the nature of this type of patient care, patience and dedication is very important. If you have noticed the employees at the home looking overly stressed, overworked or frustrated, overly affectionate, these too can be signs of elder abuse in the home.

In 2001, CBS conducted a study citing that in the United States, 1,600 nursing homes had been written up for abuse of their patients. This number, according to the article, accounts for one third of the nursing homes in the country.

As kids, we always want what’s best for our parents so if there are suspect signs of elder abuse, authorities should be contacted immediately.
Generally, signs of elder abuse include:
• bruising
• unexplained cuts of welts
• improper medication distribution
• dehydration and/or malnutrition
• weight loss or gain
• broken bones
• unsanitary living conditions
• fear of caregivers
• unexplained death

Our elders are more subject to abuse due to two factors. According to the National Center for Elder Abuse (NCEA), these two factors are social isolation and an impaired state of mind, like dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. If you suspect elder abuse, call the NCEA hotline at 1-800-677-1116 and contact the website of Atlanta personal injury attorneys Robbins &Associates P.C; we have 30 years of case experience and can help you right the wrongs that happened to your friend or relative.