Alzheimer’s is a devastating degenerative brain disease that causes memory loss, confusion and difficulty recognizing even close family and friends. Other symptoms can include mood and personality changes, an inability to learn new things and impulsive behavior. As the disease progresses, many patients have difficulty carrying out the most basic daily tasks.
Patients with Alzheimer’s are often exceptionally difficult to manage and care for. Concerned family members may be unable to keep a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease safe in the home. They often decide that they must place their loved one in a nursing home. Unfortunately, there is a great deal of evidence that residents with Alzheimer’s are at a very high risk becoming a victim of abuse in nursing homes.
Alzheimer’s Patient Abuse in Nursing Homes
There are various types of abuse that may occur in a nursing home or other long-term care facility. These include physical abuse, emotional abuse, financial abuse, sexual abuse and neglect.
Between 1 and 2 million elderly people are estimated to have been a victim of some type of abuse, and older persons suffering from dementia are believed to be at greater risk than other elders, according to the Center of Excellence on Elder Abuse and Neglect.
The organization points out the following facts:
5.3 million people in America are suffering from Alzheimer’s disease.
An estimated 7.7 million people will suffer from the disease by 2030.
20 percent of caregivers admit that they fear that they could become violent with those they care for.
International studies reveal that the overall level of abuse of patients with dementia by their caregivers ranges from 34 percent to 64 percent.
47 percent of patients with dementia were found to have been the victim of abuse by a caregiver in one U.S. study.
60 percent of caregivers admit to having been verbally abusive to a person they were caring for.
5 to 10 percent of caregivers admit that they have been physically abusive to a patient with dementia.
Signs of Abuse of Alzheimer’s Patients
Anyone who has a loved one in a nursing home should stay alert to signs of elder abuse. Common signs of abuse include the following:
Unexplained bruising
Pressure marks
Broken bones
Burns
Abrasions
Changes in personality (withdrawn, depression)
Bedsores
Poor hygiene
Unusual weight loss
Dry, papery skin
Malnutrition
Dehydration
Patient who flinches from physical contact
Unattended medical needs (medications, doctor visits, etc.)
Bruising on genital area or breast area (possible sexual abuse)
What to Do If You Suspect Abuse
If you suspect that your loved one has been abused or neglected while under the care of a nursing home, you should express your concerns to management, if appropriate, or contact the authorities. If it is a life-threatening situation, do not hesitate to call 911.
It is also critical to seek legal advice if your loved one has been the victim of abuse or neglect in a Florida or Georgia nursing home. An experienced personal injury attorney can take steps to protect the victim from further abuse or neglect and seek compensation for the injuries the victim has suffered.
Alzheimer’s is a devastating degenerative brain disease that causes memory loss, confusion and difficulty recognizing even close family and friends. Other symptoms can include mood and personality changes, an inability to learn new things and impulsive behavior. As the disease progresses, many patients have difficulty carrying out the most basic daily tasks.
Patients with Alzheimer’s are often exceptionally difficult to manage and care for. Concerned family members may be unable to keep a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease safe in the home. They often decide that they must place their loved one in a nursing home. Unfortunately, there is a great deal of evidence that residents with Alzheimer’s are at a very high risk becoming a victim of abuse in nursing homes.
Alzheimer’s Patient Abuse in Nursing Homes
Between 1 and 2 million elderly people are estimated to have been a victim of some type of abuse, and older persons suffering from dementia are believed to be at greater risk than other elders, according to the Center of Excellence on Elder Abuse and Neglect.
The organization points out the following facts:
Signs of Abuse of Alzheimer’s Patients
Anyone who has a loved one in a nursing home should stay alert to signs of elder abuse. Common signs of abuse include the following:
What to Do If You Suspect Abuse
It is also critical to seek legal advice if your loved one has been the victim of abuse or neglect in a Florida or Georgia nursing home. An experienced personal injury attorney can take steps to protect the victim from further abuse or neglect and seek compensation for the injuries the victim has suffered.
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