Bronx Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers

Advocating for Elders Facing Abuse in the Bronx

Tragically, elder abuse and neglect, is a common problem in nursing homes, hospitals, and other care facilities. Adults over the age of 60 are too often the victim of physical, emotional, sexual, or financial abuse. We have a duty to protect one of our most vulnerable populations.

Nursing home neglect and abuse can take many forms; if you suspect that your loved one is being victimized by a caregiver, contact the Law Firm of Asaro & Associates today for a free consultation.

Forms of Elder Abuse and Neglect

Elder abuse can take place anywhere. Whether your loved one is at their home, in an assisted living facility, hospital, or nursing home, they could fall victim to neglect or abuse. The National Institute on Aging has identified the following types of abuse to watch out for:

• Physical abuse is when someone causes physical harm to the body. This can be in the form of hitting, pushing, or slapping. When a caregiver exerts unnecessary force on a patient, it can result in bruising, fractures, or worse.
• Emotional abuse, also called psychological abuse, occurs when the patient is consistently threatened, ignored, or manipulated by a caregiver. This includes when the patient is kept isolated or yelled at.
• Neglect may not be readily apparent. Neglect occurs when the caregiver fails to meet the patient’s needs. Signs of neglect can be physical or emotional and may include the presence of bedsores, weight loss, the patient becoming withdrawn or depressed.
• Abandonment occurs when a patient is left alone without care by their designated caregiver or a substitute.
• Sexual abuse is one of the most egregious acts committed against any person. It can take many forms but generally involves a caregiver either forcing the patient to engage in or watch a sexual act.
• Financial abuse and healthcare fraud are also common problems perpetrated against the elderly.

Signs of Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect

Nursing home abuse and neglect can take many forms, which may make it challenging to identify. The best thing is to stay vigilant about your loved one’s care. If you suspect abuse, contact a nursing home abuse attorney immediately. According to the National Institute on Aging, “about 1 in 10 adults over age 60 are abused, neglected or financially exploited.”

The following are common warning signs of elder abuse or neglect:

• Depression
• Presence of Bedsores
• Increased confusion
• Seems withdrawn or agitated
• Isolation
• Unexplained bruises, burns or scars
• Appears dirty or malnourished
• Dehydration
• Not receiving proper medication or over-medicated
• Changes in their bank account

Bedsores are one of the most common signs of nursing home neglect in elder abuse lawsuits.

Bedsores or pressure ulcers are a serious medical condition. Left untreated, bedsores can cause a life-threatening infection. Many bedsores and their complications can be prevented with frequent repositioning, soft padding to relieve pressure, and good hygiene. 

Bedsores are graded based on their severity, with a grade I pressure sore being the most treatable and a grade IV bedsore resulting in necrosis (death) of the skin and underlying tissues. 

If your loved one has developed a bedsore while residing in a nursing home, you need to act fast. The earlier a bedsore is diagnosed and treated, the more likely they will be able to make a full recovery. It is important to contact an attorney immediately if your loved one has a bedsore or other signs of abuse. Contact our nursing home abuse lawyers today at (718) 650-2135 for a free consultation. 

Contact a Bronx Elder Abuse Attorney

The attorneys at the Law Firm of Asaro & Associates believe that protecting the elderly is of utmost importance. It is horrendous that people take advantage of the vulnerable, and they must be held accountable. Our lawyers will fight hard to protect your loved one’s rights and get them the compensation they deserve for someone else’s wrongdoing.

Contact our offices today for a free consultation.