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Nursing homes should be comfortable living environments for elderly people who are unable to live freely on their own. Unfortunately, New York nursing homes occasionally fail to give our elderly loved ones the proper care when they need it the most. Nursing home abuse occurs when mistreatment causes unnecessary injuries, distress, or emotional or financial damages.
Watching your loved ones go through any kind of trauma, anguish, or despair can be extremely stressful. At Dalli & Marino, LLP, we fully understand this and are here to help. As myths about nursing home abuse continue to propagate, accurate information from a trustworthy source is necessary so you know you’re making an informed decision. Our team of accomplished and Spanish-speaking lawyers is committed to giving you reliable information and assisting you or your loved one in understanding your rights.
Common Myths About Elder Abuse
Elder abuse is defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as “[a]n intentional act or failure to act by a caregiver or another person in a relationship involving an expectation of trust that causes or creates a risk of harm to an older adult.” There are some common myths about elder abuse that could perpetuate misconceptions, which may include:
Nursing Home Abuse is Always Visible
Contrary to popular belief, nursing home abuse is not always easy to detect. People often associate abuse with bruises, cuts, or other physical wounds, which all can indicate abuse or neglect. Still, physical wounds are not always present, and their absence does not imply that your loved one is receiving the respect they deserve.
It’s possible that if an elderly adult’s arm were twisted, it wouldn’t leave any marks. Also, if an elderly person loses weight suddenly, it may indicate that they are not getting enough nutrition. Abuse can also be emotional or psychological, which doesn’t outwardly present at all. Insults, manipulation, and other verbal or mental tactics are all signs of elder abuse as well.
Nursing Home Residents Will Ask For Help
Another widespread myth is that if a nursing home resident denies being abused, then there hasn’t been any abuse. Sadly, this is not always the case. Elderly residents of nursing homes are frequently too afraid to report or voice their complaints about intentional lack of care, emotional cruelty, or physical injury. Additionally, those who abuse nursing home residents frequently intimidate or threaten them into silence, even when they are in the presence of their loved ones.
To make matters worse, patients with conditions like dementia might not even be aware that they are being abused. Therefore, it’s crucial to constantly be on the lookout for indications of abuse or neglect. You should follow your gut instinct and take extra precautions to report the concern rather than waiting for a loved one to talk about their issues. You could also speak with a nursing home abuse and neglect attorney.
Elder Abuse is Brought On By Caregiver Stress
Caregiving is inherently stressful, but stress should not result in elder abuse, as most caregivers don’t hurt the person they are taking care of. By creating the impression that the abuse would not happen if the elderly person were simply easier to care for, healthier, or less demanding, using “stress” as an excuse also serves to turn attention away from the victim and toward the abuser.
A caregiver’s stress while providing care for a loved one is significant. However, this is not an acceptable reason for elder abuse. Additionally, a considerable number of caregivers do not mistreat their family members.
Elder Abuse Only Occurs in Nursing Homes
Nursing homes are often associated with elder abuse, but this is not always the case. Elder abuse can occur anywhere. Other accommodations include senior living communities or an elderly person’s own home. Elderly adults are vulnerable to abuse or neglect in any setting where they receive care.
While there have been numerous reports of elder abuse in nursing homes, most incidents occur in family members’ households. Theft, financial exploitation, or the sale of the elderly person’s possessions for gambling or drugs are all examples of financial abuse. When the older adult faces the offender after becoming conscious of the situation, it can also result in the start of physical abuse. Therefore, regardless of where the elderly relative resides, it is crucial to watch out for neglectful behaviors.
Contact An Experienced Nursing Home Abuse Attorney in New York
We naturally place a high level of trust in nursing homes to care for our elderly loved ones. You never anticipate discovering that a loved one has been neglected or abused by the person who is supposed to care for them. Unfortunately, not all nursing homes serve their residents’ interests in the best way. The elderly in nursing homes should receive the proper care that they are entitled to.
Please do not hesitate to contact the law office of Dalli & Marino, LLP if you or a loved one has been the victim of elder abuse, whether it was due to nursing home neglect or another form of carelessness. Our lawyers have a wealth of knowledge for elder abuse cases, as well as the commitment to fight for you. Our passion for assisting clients in obtaining fair compensation for their injuries is unwavering. You can reach us at (888) 465-8790 or by filling out our online form today.
