Wisconsin Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer
Nothing is more devastating than to find out that a loved one has been abused in a nursing home, the very place that is supposed to protect and care for them.
You’ve done all you can to care for them but when you decided you needed help you were let down and betrayed.
1 out of 3 Nursing Homes in the US cited for Abuse
Unfortunately, as the US population continues to age these issues are likely to increase. While nursing home abuse is on the rise it’s not your fault and it’s not too late to get the help you and your loved one deserve.
Experienced Wisconsin Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers are here to help you.
What is considered nursing home abuse?
Nursing home abuse is defined as any type of harm that comes to a resident in a long-term care facility, including:
- Neglect
- Physical Abuse
- Emotional or Sexual Abuse
- Financial Exploitation
Often, the abuse stems from facilities that are understaffed but no matter the reason, any type of abuse is wrong and a criminal offense that a Milwaukee Nursing Home Abuse Attorney can assist you with.
What to look for?
If suddenly, your loved one has unexplained bruises or worse, broken bones, this might be an indication that they’ve sustained some physical abuse. Sometimes an elder can fall and break a bone, but if it’s consistently occurring and the bruises are in various stages, this is a concern. It’s important to look for signs to know if your loved one is being abused.
Neglect = Most Common
- Malnutrition
- Dehydration
- Bedsores
- Filthy surroundings
- Basic hygiene is ignored
- Medical instructions not being followed
- Essentials like glasses, hearing aids, and false teeth not being tended to
Physical Abuse = Intentional
- Grip marks on their arms or neck or bruising on the wrists or ankles
- Burns or blisters, especially in odd places on their body
- Multiple injuries over a period of time
- Significant Weight loss significant
- Look over-medicated, blurry, and not very coherent
Emotional or Sexual
- Act fearful
- Don’t wish to communicate or tend to avoid questions
- Lack of interest in socializing
- Suddenly, undergo a radical personality change anywhere from withdrawn to acting out
- Become combative
- Bruises around the genital area or torn undergarments
- Unexplained vaginal or anal bleeding, or infections
Financial
- A paper trail of frequent checks to a caregiver or gifts
- Sudden change in finances like unusual bank account activity
- Personal belongings are missing, especially those that are worth money
Check nursing homes for safety violations
Although rare, cases of nursing home abuse do exist. The Wisconsin Department of Health Services maintains public records of annual nursing home safety reports. You can check any each county’s nursing homes to see if they were cited for infractions. Violations range from minor issues like food service menus not accommodating all dietary needs to serious problems like life-threatening dehydration. Pay special attention to any immediate jeopardy citations which put residents at risk of serious injury or death. Using the State’s reports, you can avoid enrolling in a known abusive facility which is the best way to prevent nursing home abuse.
What to do if you suspect abuse?
Don’t assume that someone else has taken the path to address the situation.
- Call the police for immediate threats
- Notify management
- Contact Adult Protect Services
- Schedule a free consultation
- Review or draft estate planning documents
Take Action | Ask Questions
Whether you suspect wrongdoing, have witnessed harmful actions, or just want confirmation that your loved one is getting the care they deserve our team can help you. Schedule a call now.
