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Cherry Hill Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect Attorneys
Serving people who have suffered abuse in long-term care facilities in South Jersey
Nursing homes are meant to be places where our elderly and vulnerable loved ones receive the care and respect they deserve. However, instances of abuse and neglect can occur, leading to physical, emotional, or financial harm to residents. Here at Ferrara & Gable, we understand the gravity of these situations and commit ourselves to providing legal assistance to those who have been affected by nursing home abuse.
Our experienced Cherry Hill nursing home abuse and neglect attorneys are dedicated to advocating for the rights of residents and holding negligent or abusive facilities and individuals accountable. If you or a loved one has suffered injury in a nursing home or long-term care facility in New Jersey, call us as soon as possible for a consultation.
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What is nursing home abuse and neglect?
Nursing home abuse and neglect includes a range of harmful behaviors or omissions that can adversely affect the physical, emotional, or financial well-being of residents in long-term care facilities. These terms are often used together because they are closely related, but they refer to distinct forms of harm:
- Nursing home abuse. Nursing home abuse involves intentional or deliberate actions by caregivers or staff that cause harm or distress to residents. Common forms of abuse in nursing homes include physical abuse (hitting, restraining, or rough handling), emotional or psychological abuse (verbal abuse, humiliation, or isolation), sexual abuse, and financial abuse (exploitation or theft of a resident's assets).
- Nursing home neglect. Neglect, on the other hand, refers to the failure of caregivers or staff to provide the necessary care and attention to meet a resident's basic needs, resulting in harm or suffering. Neglect can be due to understaffing, inadequate training, or negligence. It can involve neglecting basic necessities such as food, water, hygiene, medication, mobility assistance, or the failure to address medical conditions promptly.
Both nursing home abuse and neglect are serious violations of a resident's rights and the duty of care owed by nursing home facilities. They can lead to various physical and psychological injuries, including bedsores, malnutrition / dehydration, infections, falls, fractures, anxiety, depression, and loss of dignity. In severe cases, nursing home abuse or neglect can result in life-threatening injuries or wrongful death.
Recognizing the signs of abuse or neglect, reporting suspicions to appropriate authorities, and seeking legal assistance are crucial steps to protect the well-being and rights of nursing home residents. Family members and loved ones can play a vital role in advocating for residents and ensuring they receive the care and respect they deserve in long-term care settings.
What are examples of nursing home abuse?
Nursing home abuse is any physical, emotional, or sexual mistreatment or neglect of a resident of a nursing home or assisted living facility. It can be intentional or unintentional, but it is always wrong.
Here are some examples of nursing home abuse:
- Physical abuse. This includes hitting, slapping, kicking, burning, or otherwise physically harming a resident.
- Emotional abuse. This includes yelling at, threatening, or belittling a resident.
- Sexual abuse. This includes any type of unwanted sexual contact, such as touching, kissing, or sexual intercourse.
- Neglect. This includes failing to provide a resident with the basic necessities of life, such as food, water, shelter, clothing, or medical care.
Nursing home abuse can also include financial exploitation, such as stealing money or property from a resident, or abandonment, which is when a resident is left alone without adequate care or supervision.
If you suspect that a loved one is being abused in a nursing home, it is important to report it immediately. You can report abuse to the nursing home administrator, the state licensing board, or the police. You can also contact an experienced nursing home abuse attorney to discuss your legal rights and options.
What are common signs of Cherry Hill nursing home abuse and neglect?
Recognizing the signs of nursing home abuse and neglect is essential for the safety and well-being of residents. Common signs of nursing home abuse and neglect include:
- Physical signs:
- Unexplained bruises, cuts, welts, or other injuries
- Bedsores (pressure ulcers) or infections
- Rapid weight loss or malnutrition
- Dehydration
- Unexplained falls
- Inadequate personal hygiene, such as dirty clothes, uncombed hair, or body odor
- Emotional and psychological signs:
- Fear, anxiety, or depression
- Withdrawal from social activities or interactions
- Agitation or uncharacteristic mood swings
- Complaints of verbal abuse or emotional mistreatment
- Changes in behavior:
- Sudden behavioral changes, such as aggression or agitation
- Unexplained changes in sleep patterns
- Avoidance of specific staff members or areas within the facility
- Refusal to eat, take medication, or participate in activities
- Financial exploitation:
- Missing personal items or money
- Unauthorized withdrawals from bank accounts
- Forged signatures on financial documents
- Medication issues:
- Overmedication or undermedication
- Medication errors or inconsistent administration
- Poor living conditions:
- Unsanitary or dirty living conditions
- Lack of maintenance or needed repairs in the facility
- Insufficient heating or cooling
- Staff behavior:
- Inattentive or neglectful staff members
- Verbal abuse or hostility
- Caregivers who are unresponsive to resident needs or requests
- Unexplained injuries or illnesses:
- Frequent injuries or illnesses without clear explanations
- Delayed medical care or failure to address health issues promptly
- Isolation or restraints:
- Use of physical or chemical restraints without medical necessity
- Isolation of residents from others, limiting social interactions
It's important to note that some of these signs may have legitimate explanations, but they can also be indicators of abuse or neglect. Family members, friends, and visitors should take any concerns seriously and report them to the appropriate authorities. Seeking legal assistance from our experienced Cherry Hill nursing home abuse attorneys can also help address and remedy the issue, holding responsible parties accountable and seeking compensation for the injured resident.
Related: Signs of Nursing Home Negligence
What laws protect seniors in Cherry Hill nursing homes?
New Jersey law lays out rights and protections for nursing home residents across the state. You or your loved one have the right to:
- Help create and implement a care plan
- Retain the services of a physician you choose for your medical care
- Freedom from abuse and restraints
- Manage your own finances
- Live in a safe, clean home-like environment
- Be treated with courtesy, dignity, and respect
- Privacy and confidential treatment
- Communications, including mail and telephone
- Visits and activities
- Proper nutrition
- Input on discharges and transfers
Nursing home residents and their families need to be aware of these laws and regulations, as well as the specific rights and protections they provide. If residents or their loved ones suspect any violations of these laws or encounter issues related to abuse, neglect, or substandard care, they should report their concerns to the appropriate authorities and, if necessary, consult with an experienced Cherry Hill personal injury attorney to address and resolve the situation.
Related: Can My Parent be Kicked Out of a Nursing Home if I Sue the Home?
Do you have a nursing home abuse and neglect attorney near me?
Ferrara & Gable maintains an office at 601 Longwood Avenue in Cherry Hill, NJ. Parking is available, and a bus stop is right up the block on Rt. 38. We can schedule a phone or video consultation if you are too injured or ill to travel.
Compassionate Cherry Hill, NJ nursing home abuse and neglect lawyers
If you or a loved one has been a victim of nursing home abuse in Cherry Hill, you don't have to face this challenging situation alone. The compassionate and experienced nursing home abuse attorneys at Ferrara & Gable are here to be your advocates, to fight for your rights, and to seek justice and compensation for the harm you've endured. We understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll that nursing home abuse can take on victims and their families, and we're committed to helping you on your path to recovery and accountability. To schedule a consultation with an experienced attorney, call our offices or contact us today. Proudly serving Camden County, Burlington County & all of South Jersey.
Related on nursing home abuse & neglect in NJ:
- Understaffing Is Harming Residents of Nursing Homes and Long-Term Care Facilities
- The Hammonton Center Took Plenty of Money While Ignoring Their Residents
- Why Nursing Home Neglect is on the Rise
- 4 Important Facts About Malnutrition in the Elderly
- How Bedsores can Harm Patients
- What Are the Staffing Requirements for New Jersey Nursing Homes?
