Nursing Home Abuse

When a Loved One Has Been Harmed, We Step In

Family members place their trust and confidence in nursing homes to care for their elderly relatives. Sadly, some nursing homes prioritize profits over residents’ needs and rights. Inadequate staff levels, insufficient training, and a lack of safety protocols threaten the wellbeing of elderly residents across Oklahoma.

The health and mobility difficulties of older people make them particularly vulnerable to abuse and neglect. Don’t deal with the devastating impact alone. Our nursing home abuse attorneys are experienced in recognizing and understanding how nursing home abuse and neglect occurs. They will explain what you need to know and how you can act on behalf of your loved one to ensure their protection.

What Are Common Forms of Nursing Home Abuse?

Most long-term care problems are caused by a lack of properly trained staff. Many facilities pay minimal wages and operate on tight budgets. For residents, this can have very serious consequences. 

COVID-19

Viral infections like COVID-19 are very dangerous. Many of Oklahoma’s long-term care facilities were not adequately prepared for a viral or bacterial outbreak. They lacked basic protective equipment for their staff, let alone for their residents, and their understanding of safety protocols was minimal. A bacterial or viral outbreak can occur at any time in a healthcare facility, so being prepared is essential.

Bed Sores  

If someone sits or lies in bed for a long time, pressure sores may form. If the skin is not properly inspected or checked for redness, it can lead to a sore. Without treatment, an infection can develop and eventually lead to complications. Facilities always need to ensure residents are mobile, but unfortunately, this doesn’t always happen.

Malnutrition and Dehydration

When facilities are understaffed, they often rush breakfast, lunch, or dinner or provide inadequate nutrition. Residents are entitled to nutritious meals and access to water, but poor staff training or cost-cutting often deprives them of both. Dehydration and weight loss are serious health problems for the elderly; if your loved one exhibits either one, nursing home abuse may be involved.

Falls

The number of falls in nursing homes is alarmingly high, especially when supervision is substandard. Residents are often frail, which can make them prone to falling out of bed or tripping when they walk down hallways. Among the elderly, hip fractures are common and often lead to extensive rehabilitation and care complications. 

Other examples of nursing home abuse include:

  • Failure to administer medications
  • Inappropriate use of restraints
  • Physical assault
  • Verbal abuse

Let Us Help You Protect Those You Love

When you trust another with the care of a loved one, it can be heartbreaking to discover that they aren’t being treated properly. If you suspect a loved one has been living with the impact of elder abuse or nursing home injuries, Bison Law Firm can help you investigate, take action, and fight for the compensation your family deserves. To schedule a consultation and get your case started, call 405.407.0111 or contact us online.