Manhattan, KS Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer

When we move our elderly or disabled family members to an extended care facility, we expect the staff there to treat them with respect and give them the best care. Unfortunately, that’s not always the case. In fact, 2022 data from the World Health Organization (WHO) shows that 2 in 3 staff reported that they committed abuse within the past year.

It’s appalling to think that the most vulnerable group in our communities is being mistreated, but we can’t ignore it.

If your loved one or someone you know has been mistreated in their nursing home or long-term care facility, an experienced and compassionate Manhattan, KS nursing home abuse lawyer can help. All people have rights, and residents of nursing homes are no different. Our legal team has the necessary skills to assist you in protecting the rights of those who are unable or perhaps too afraid to protect themselves.

Types of Abusive Treatment

No two cases of elder mistreatment are the same, and while certain abuse or signs of abuse may be similar between cases, it’s important to know the different kinds of abuse that take place and the signs to look out for in your loved one.

The most common types of abuse among residents of long-term care facilities are:

• Physical abuse is any type of mistreatment that physically harms a resident, such as hitting, slapping, restraining, kicking, pushing, or burning.
• Sexual abuse is any unwanted or forced sexual interaction of any kind. This could be unwanted sexual contact or penetration, such as rape, or non-contact acts such as sexual harassment.
• Emotional or psychological abuse refers to either verbal or nonverbal behavior that causes mental anguish, fear, or distress. Examples of these are humiliation, disrespect, threats, harassment, or isolation.
• Financial abuse is the unauthorized, illegal, or improper use of a resident’s money. This occurs when a resident’s personal belongings, such as bank or credit cards, checkbooks, or any other assets, are taken without the resident’s permission and used for someone else’s benefit.
• Neglect, while often considered separate from abuse, is a form of mistreatment on its own. This occurs when a resident is not given their most basic needs, such as food, water, clothing, hygiene, medical care, etc. This type of mistreatment can be either intentional or accidental.

Signs Your Loved One Is Being Abused

If you believe your loved one is suffering such mistreatment, there are some signs that you can look for. Those signs can be, but are not limited to:

• Sudden change in behavior, such as depression or anxiety
• Unexplained bruises or cuts on their body or any injuries to the genital area
• Unexplained illnesses or sexually transmitted diseases
• Missing personal items, such as bank or credit cards, cell phones, jewelry, etc.
• Sudden changes to a will or bank account (such as names you don’t recognize being added)
• Apparent malnutrition or dehydration
• Onset of bed sores or other signs of poor hygiene
• Signs of being over- or under-medicated

If your loved one’s nursing home appears to be understaffed or if you witness caregivers mistreating other patients during your visit, those are also signs that something might be wrong. Additionally, if the facility itself is poorly maintained, with broken flooring or unsanitary common areas or resident rooms, those are also just as important to note.

While we understand it may not be possible for you to visit your loved one in their nursing home regularly, it’s in the best interest of them and other residents to pay attention when you are visiting. And, if you are not personally able to visit frequently, consider asking a trusted friend or other family member to stop by and check on your loved one as often as possible.

What You Can Do if You Suspect Abuse

If your loved one is in immediate, possibly life-threatening danger, remove them from their facility as soon as possible and alert local law enforcement before contacting our office. Getting your loved one to a safe and secure environment is best before pursuing legal action against the nursing home and those working there.

If you suspect abuse or mistreatment and your loved one does not appear to be in immediate danger, contact a nursing home abuse lawyer in Manhattan, KS right away. We recommend you speak with a legal representative about your concerns before discussing your loved one’s care with the staff at their nursing home to maximize the success of your case. In our experience, we find that those causing harm may destroy or damage evidence of their wrongdoings if they are made aware that a case is being brought against them.

You may also consider filing a report with local or state agencies such as the Kansas Adult Protective Services. Instructions on filing such a report are available online, or you can call 1-800-922-5330.

Fight for Your Loved One’s Rights

As mentioned previously, all people have rights, and the rights and health of your loved one should never be in jeopardy. According to the National Council on Aging (NCOA), it’s estimated that only 1 in 24 cases of abuse are reported to authorities. Those suffering are afraid to speak up for fear of making it worse. Our team at Prochaska, Howell & Prochaska LLC has the necessary qualifications to take on your case and fight to protect your loved one from those who caused them harm.

With the well-being of vulnerable elderly individuals on the line, there’s no time to waste. Reach out to our office today for a free consultation and see how a qualified Manhattan, KS nursing home abuse lawyer can assist you in bringing to justice those responsible for the mistreatment of your loved one and likely others as well.