Baby Boomers, those born in the late 1940s and early 1950s are now senior citizens. Many of these people are well and remain active while others need care. To accommodate the growing need for assisted living and long-term care, nursing homes are becoming more and more popular.
The rapid expansion of the industry has caught may operators off guard; as a result they may employ people that do not have experience or training in handling the needs of the elderly residents.
Nursing home abuse:
Common forms of elder abuse include physical and emotional as well as sexual abuse and neglect. In the event a family member should see evidence of any of the following they should contact nursing home abuse lawyers in Chicago as soon as possible.
* Physical abuse: Physical abuse includes slapping, hitting, shoving or the use of restraints that are not necessary. The signs are easy to spot; bruising, cuts and broken bones are ample evidence that the elderly individual has suffered some type of physical abuse.
* Emotional abuse: The most common type of emotional abuse is yelling or threatening the elderly individual. Although threats and intimidation are methods employed, non-verbal forms of abuse are also just as damaging, these include unwarranted isolation or not allowing them to mingle and socialize with others living in the facility.
* Neglect: Neglect includes depriving the person from the necessities of life including food, water, shelter and sanitation. Many elderly that are neglected will suffer considerable weight loss and have a hunted appearance.
If you suspect that your loved one is being abused you can:
* Approach the nursing home administration directly
* Get legal assistance
You may find that the best approach is to hire nursing home abuse lawyers in Chicago who are well versed in the legal rights that residents of nursing homes have. Regardless of what you do, the sooner you act the better.
If you suspect that your loved one is being abused in the care facility you should engage the services of nursing home abuse lawyers in Chicago. You are invited to contact the Law Office of Scott D. DeSalvo, LLC. Follow us on google+.