Nursing Home Residents Deserve To Live In A Safe And Caring Environment
Last updated on November 9, 2023
Nursing homes and other long-term care facilities are notorious for putting profits over patient safety. Many Georgia facilities are understaffed, their staff are underpaid, and they fail to implement proper procedures that are meant to protect the most vulnerable of our population, the elderly. It’s because of this ‘profits over people’ mentality that many elderly residents are seriously injured or die due to negligence or abuse.
Sam Dennis understands that placing a loved one in a nursing home or other long-term care facility is a difficult decision, and that families deserve the peace of mind that their family member is receiving the best care possible. When a resident is injured because of negligent care or abuse, clients turn to Sam Dennis Law to hold the at-fault parties accountable and to seek full and fair compensation.
Understanding The Differences Between Nursing Home Abuse And Neglect
Nursing home abuse occurs when a trusted individual or caregiver mistreats a resident through intentional actions that create risk or harm to them. Abuse can be physical, emotional, psychological, sexual or financial in nature.
Signs Of Abuse
Signs of abuse may include unexplained wounds (bruises, cuts, etc.) changes in mood or personality, fearful behavior, and unexplained or implausibly explained trips to the hospital. Abuse is often accompanied by exploitation, which is why it is important to keep an eye on your loved one’s finances as well.
Signs Of Neglect
Neglect doesn’t involve intentional harm, but its consequences can be just as bad. Nursing homes are responsible for their residents’ long-term care, hygiene and personal care, supervision, and therapy. Neglect occurs when a nursing home’s caretaker, staff, manager, or supervisor fails to attend to a resident’s needs, causing them injury. Lacking a good explanation, any of the following could be signs of neglect:
- Frequent falls and fall-related injuries
- Bed sores or pressure sores
- Dehydration and malnutrition
- Frequent infections
- Irregular or incorrect administration of prescription drugs
Many nursing home patients cannot communicate effectively due to conditions like Alzheimer’s. Therefore, it is critical for their loved ones to pay close attention at every visit and keep an eye out for anything mentioned above or anything that otherwise seems suspicious.
What To Do When You Suspect Or Know Someone Has Been Neglected Or Abused
Elder Abuse is a crime, and certain types of neglect may be criminal as well. You can contact the Georgia Department of Community Health Healthcare Facility Regulation to report nursing home abuse or neglect. You can also report your concerns to Georgia’s Office of the Attorney General.
Nursing homes that perpetrate or allow abuse and neglect can be held civilly liable as well as facing criminal sanctions. Sam Dennis Law can bring a claim against your loved one’s care facility, and Sam can also help you reach out to the appropriate regulatory authorities in Georgia.
The Sam Dennis Difference
Sam Dennis is recognized as the premier personal injury lawyer in South Georgia. He wins case after case because of his extensive experience and drive to hold the right people responsible when someone is injured due to someone else’s negligence.
Known as a frequent collaborator, Sam regularly serves as co-counsel with other attorneys in the Athens, Georgia, area to combat nursing home abuse and neglect more widely throughout the state. Some of the lawyers he works with were part of a group that wrote the rules and regulations about how nursing homes should operate and who are now doing plaintiff work. This has given Sam an insider’s knowledge of this difficult problem and has allowed him to be part of the solution.
Discuss Your Concerns With Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer For Free
Sam Dennis Law is built on the philosophy that maintaining a good relationship with clients is the key to offering the strongest representation possible. Once Sam has taken the time to truly listen to your story and to understand your goals, he fights to win. Sam is both a compassionate listener and an aggressive advocate, utilizing nearly 30 years of legal experience on behalf of clients.
To take advantage of a free initial consultation, call 229-244-4428 or reach out online.