nursing home abuse signs
Red Flags for Nursing Home Financial Abuse
When families think about abuse and neglect at Oklahoma nursing homes, they are most likely thinking of physical abuse and neglect. These are serious issues that often go underreported, but they are not the only threats to elderly patients. Many residents of Oklahoma nursing homes are at risk of being taken advantage of financially as well.
Financial abuse and exploitation is the illegal and unauthorized use of money or personal property. Examples of financial abuse that can occur at any Oklahoma nursing home include:
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Oklahoma City Nursing Home Fires Employees after Allegations of Abuse
A nursing home in Oklahoma City has fired two employees who were accused of abusing a 96-year-old patient with dementia. Quail Creek Nursing and Rehabilitation Center fired the two female employees, ages 23 and 28, after they were both arrested by police on one complaint each of neglect by caretaker. One of the nursing assistants was caught on camera shoving latex gloves into the patient’s mouth as the other watched. The video also shows the worker lift the patient into bed and the push the side of her face to force her to lie down. The for-profit facility is owned by Westlake Nursing Home L.P. of Dallas, Texas, and has 92 residents in its care.
Nursing home abuse and neglect are becoming an epidemic in the United States. According to the National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA), there are many different types of abuse that occur at nursing homes. There are signs and symptoms of abuse and neglect that family members would be well advised to watch out for. The common symptoms of physical abuse include slap marks, bruises, burns, or blisters. Signs of neglect may include pressure ulcers, filthy appearance, malnutrition, lack of medical care, or dehydration. Seniors who suffer emotional abuse may become withdrawn or show other behavioral changes. A sudden change in the patient’s finances or accounts may be indicative of financial abuse.
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Has Your Loved One Been Abused in an Oklahoma Nursing Home?
Nursing home abuse comes in many forms and it is often challenging to detect. If you suspect that your loved one has been abused emotionally, financially, physically, or sexually, please do not hesitate to take immediate action. You may be able to protect your loved one from further harm while pursuing compensation for their suffering. In some cases, you can help prevent future incidents by holding the at-fault parties accountable for their actions.
The first step is to determine if abuse has actually occurred. There are many signs of OK nursing home abuse and it is important to determine the validity of your concerns. Does your loved one have injuries that are not listed on their medical reports? Have there been significant changes in your loved one’s behavior? You may want to discuss your suspicions with your loved one and with other residents. If you believe that abuse is occurring, it is important to notify the authorities right away and to contact an experienced nursing home abuse lawyer to discuss your legal rights and options.
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