Oklahoma Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer
Statistics vary, but according to the best available estimates, between 1 and 2 million Americans age 65 or older have been abused in some way or another. It is difficult to be more precise because nursing home abuse often goes unreported or, even worse, is only evidenced after serious injury. Why? Nursing home residents are often too afraid to disclose instances of abuse or neglect out of fear that no one will believe them and the abuse will then get even worse. Others may not be able to effectively communicate that they are being abused because of physical or mental limitations. If you are concerned about the possible abuse of a loved one, here are some signs to look for:
- Malnutrition or dehydration
- Staff refusing, or delaying visitors who come to see a resident
- Unexplained bruises, cuts, burns, sprains or fractures, suggesting the resident was dropped or beaten
- Bedsores, pressure sores or frozen joints
- Venereal disease or genital infections, including vaginal or anal bleeding, or torn, stained or bloody underclothing, suggesting assault or rape
- Staff not allowing a resident to be alone with a visitor
- Loss of resident’s possessions
- Unexplained withdrawals from bank accounts, or changes in banking practices
- Sudden changes in will or other financial documents
- Sudden changes in behavior
Oklahoma nursing home residents have patient rights and certain protections under the law, including:
- Sufficient nursing staff to provide nursing and related services
- A comprehensive care plan for each resident
- Proper treatment to maintain vision and hearing abilities
- Appropriate treatment and services to incontinent residents
- Adequate supervision and assistive devices to prevent accidents
- Provision of care in a manner and environment that maintains or enhances dignity and quality of life
- Supervision of medical care by a physician and provisions for physician services 24 hours a day
- Pharmaceutical services
At Hasbrook and Hasbrook, we are committed to upholding the quality of care in our long-term care institutions by taking swift legal action to compensate nursing home residents and their families for injuries resulting from neglect or inadequate care. Only this way will the quality of care for all residents be assured. If you feel that you or a loved one has been victimized by neglect or abuse while in the care of a senior citizen facility, contact us as soon as possible. Your initial consultation is free of charge, and if we agree to accept your case, we will work on a contingent fee basis, which means we get paid for our services only if there is a monetary award or recovery of funds.
Frequently Asked Questions About Nursing Home Neglect or Abuse
1) What should I do if I suspect a parent or other relative is not getting good care at a nursing home?
First, talk to the nursing home administrator about your concerns. Tell them that you are unhappy with the care being provided and that you are documenting what you are concerned about and that you will report it. And make sure you do report it to the state health department.
2) Can an attorney help me with my concerns?
If the nursing home does not satisfy your concerns, in addition to filing a report with the state health department, you may want to contact an attorney who can investigate the situation and advise you on your options.
3) What exactly constitutes nursing home neglect or abuse?
The list is long. It includes an unhealthy diet; abandonment; physical abuse; failure to clean dressings or bed clothes; bed sores from not being turned regularly; and any other treatment or neglect that may result in physical harm, pain or mental suffering.
4) If my parent has Alzheimer’s, should he or she be in a special facility?
Patients suffering from Alzheimer’s have special needs that many nursing homes cannot provide for. If you feel the home does not make special adjustments for Alzheimer’s patients, such as making sure they don’t wander away or making sure they take their medications on schedule, you should look into moving the patient into a facility that does cater to those with Alzheimer’s or dementia.
5) If my parent or loved one is at risk for falls, what can I do to reduce that risk when he or she is in a home?
Most falls can be prevented. Nursing homes are obligated to pay special attention to fall prevention. Patients who are at high risk of falling should be identified and special precautions taken to prevent such falls. Hip fractures as a result of falls sharply increase the risk of the patient dying in the months following a fall. If the home does not seem to be taking this risk seriously, you should talk to the administrator and if the concern is not addressed, move the patient to another facility.
