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ELDER CARE - As Los Angeles sees more of an elderly population, many families have opted to look to nursing home facilities to care for their family members. Many nursing home facilities are excellent within the city; however, some of these homes have neglect and abuse concerns. Reports recently highlighted growing concerns about the treatment of vulnerable seniors in various nursing homes throughout the LA area.
The size and complexity of Los Angeles provide facilities that host thousands of nursing homes within this city, which means vigilance is paramount. It is at this juncture that families need to keep themselves posted on the risks involved and what should be taken to safeguard their elderly family members if they are not fit for home care.
Common Types of Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect in Los Angeles
While Los Angeles contains many nursing homes that are diversified in nature, the variety of abuses occurring across the country cannot bypass this city. However, the rise in the number of facilities, coupled with the demand for elder care services growing even faster, has made it more imperative to recognize the signs. The following are some common forms of nursing home issue oversight abuse and neglect present in LA-based facilities.
● Physical Abuse: This involves hitting, pushing, or excessively bounding physically. With numerous nursing homes spread all over Los Angeles County, many are poorly staffed, and their residents may be treated poorly. Bruises or unexplained fractures could be a warning of abuse.
● Emotional Abuse: While more subtle, emotional abuse is equally destructive. Examples of emotional abuse include yelling, humiliation, isolation, and intimidation. A fearful or withdrawn resident may well be experiencing emotional abuse.
● Neglect: The failure of a nursing home to provide basic care for adequate food, water, or medical attention. In a sprawling city like Los Angeles, some facilities are overcrowded, and this may amount to neglect. Bedsores, malnutrition, and dehydration are some of the signs that indicate neglect.
● Financial Exploitation: Since Los Angeles is such an expensive city to live in, some seniors living there may be exposed to financial abuse. This might include unauthorized access to bank accounts or even being coerced into signing over your assets. You can detect the financial exploitation of a loved one by keeping an eye on their finances.
Warning Signs to Watch For in Los Angeles Nursing Homes
Identifying the warning signs of nursing home abuse in Los Angeles is critical to keeping your loved one safe. Watch out for these warning signs of abuse:
● Unexplained Injuries: Not every personnel may be adequately trained for the task in light of the size of Los Angeles and varying care facilities. Sudden or unexplained injuries, such as bruises, broken bones, and cuts, are significant pointers of physical abuse or neglect.
● Behavioral Changes: A withdrawn, anxious, or depressed loved one could be a victim of emotional abuse or neglect. Since most Los Angeles families are distant from their elderly loved ones, close observation should be practiced whenever visits are made.
● Poor Hygiene/Living Conditions: Some homes within the city need to be more staffed and managed, further causing unsanitary conditions. If one's loved one seems unwashed or their living area is dirty, that could mean neglect.
● Malnutrition or Dehydration: A lot of the facilities within Los Angeles are large, for-profit institutions, and sometimes corners get cut. If a loved one is rapidly losing weight or perhaps even appears dehydrated, these are potential signs that proper nutrition or care is not being received.
Legal Recourse: How a Los Angeles Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer Can Help You
If you believe that your loved one is being abused, you should contact a Los Angeles nursing home abuse attorney for legal support. California law offers a number of protections for elderly residents, many of which can be powerfully asserted when supported by a specialized attorney.
A Los Angeles nursing home abuse attorney can:
● Investigate the facility’s practices.
● Gather evidence, including medical records, statements from eyewitnesses, and expert testimony.
● Assist in filing a lawsuit against the facility on counts of negligence, abuse, or neglect.
Conclusion
Nursing home abuse might be a concern in Los Angeles, of which one has to be very aware. Recognizing the signs of abuse, choosing well-recognized facilities for care, and knowing when to take legal advice are all ways you can help your loved one avoid harm. While there are numerous resources for elder care in Los Angeles, ensuring that your loved one remains safe requires proactive involvement and knowledge.
