What Does Nursing Home Abuse Actually Look Like in San Jose?

We all know that nursing home abuse is wrong. In fact, abusing and neglecting our elder generation is one of the most egregious crimes anyone can commit. But how do we actually spot this issue? What kinds of signs should we be looking out for, and what kinds of measures are in place to ensure that these instances are dealt with as quickly and as efficiently as possible? Sometimes, elder abuse is not always obvious. There are certain types of elder abuse that may go completely unnoticed in nursing homes, and it is important to keep this in mind.

It helps to understand how nursing home abuse might manifest in the real world. Analyzing the laws that protect our elder generations is only one piece of the puzzle. In order to genuinely comprehend what we are dealing with in San Jose, we must look at real-world examples. Unfortunately, individuals who abuse elderly people are often capable of misdeeds that outstrip our imaginations. Sometimes, it is difficult to fully prepare for the actions of individuals who are cruel and reckless enough to harm senior citizens.

If you have experienced nursing home abuse firsthand, know that you are not alone. There are laws against these crimes, and you are fully entitled to hold negligent parties accountable for your damages. You can also take legal action if you have a loved one who has experienced nursing home abuse. If you are serious about filing a lawsuit, the best thing to do is enlist the help of a qualified, experienced attorney who has dealt with these matters before. Teaming up with a law firm that is experienced in taking on nursing home abuse cases, such as Mary Alexander & Associates.

Here is What Nursing Home Abuse Looks Like

Sometimes, nursing home abuse is relatively straightforward. For example, staff members may be physically assaulting residents. While it might seem unthinkable, staff members in American nursing homes have been found guilty of physically assaulting residents, leaving them with broken ribs and other injuries. They may also be screaming threats at these residents. In extreme cases, nursing home abuse can lead to death. For example, staff members may not provide adequate care and attention to residents after they suffer a fall.

Nursing home abuse can also occur when staff members fail to take their residents seriously when they make legitimate complaints. For example, a resident might be complaining about back pain after falling down a flight of stairs. If staff members believe residents like this are “faking it,” they may not get the medical attention they need. This can lead to infection and other complications, which can then lead to death.

Finally, it is important to understand that abuse is not always a straightforward, physical matter. Abuse can also occur in other, less visible ways. Sexual abuse is another unfortunate reality in many nursing homes across the nation. In addition, financial abuse is also rampant. This is when staff members try to gain access to residents’ finances and convince them to sign over their life savings. Another example of financial abuse is preventing a resident from accessing their own account and spending their money as they please.

Signs of Nursing Home Abuse

So much of this abuse can occur “underneath the surface,” and it is often difficult to know whether elder abuse is even happening. From the outside looking in, it might seem as though a nursing home is perfectly professional and ethical. Sometimes, only the residents themselves are aware of the abuse and neglect that is occurring behind closed doors. That being said, there are a few signs to watch for:

• Unexplained bruises, scars, and other injuries on residents
• Marks on residents’ wrists, signifying restraints have been used
• Signs of emotional and mental trauma, such as PTSD
• Unexplained financial changes for the residents
• Records of banking transactions that have occurred while the resident was in a nursing home
• Lack of adequate staff
• Lack of adequate training
• Bedsores and ulcers
• Unexplained weight loss
• Filthy clothes
• Infections

Inspections Went on Hiatus During the Pandemic

Fortunately, the state of California conducts regular inspections in an effort to search for signs of nursing home abuse. Normally, these inspections would serve as an important line of defense against these crimes, ensuring that all senior residents are protected against abuse and neglect.

Unfortunately, this just did not happen during the pandemic. For over a year, the state of California put all inspections on hiatus, which led to serious concerns about a rise in elder abuse cases. Unfortunately, it seems as though these concerns were well-founded. Experts say that conditions are “incredibly dire,” and that instances of nursing home abuse were at an all-time high.

Obviously, the lack of inspections has allowed standards to slip. But who should be held accountable for the harm done to our senior citizens? One might argue that the nursing homes themselves should have maintained their standards, but the government of California could also be held liable for ceasing the inspections. Regardless, one thing is clear: nursing home residents have been allowed to shoulder the burden of this entire debacle. We already know that these individuals were incredibly vulnerable to COVID-19, and now it seems as though they also suffered additional consequences due to the pandemic.

Enlist the Help of a Qualified Attorney Today

If you have been searching the San Jose area for a qualified, experienced attorney who can assist you with this matter, look no further than Mary Alexander & Associates. We have the skills and resources to help you seek justice after nursing home abuse occurs. Our seniors are a valued component of our society, and none of them deserve to experience abuse as they attempt to enjoy their lives.

Those who are guilty of nursing home abuse must be held accountable for their negligence, and the best way to do this is by taking legal action against them. When you show that you are not willing to put up with these crimes, you can make nursing homes across California safer for everyone. Let’s make a stand. Reach out today, book a consultation, and we can develop an action plan together.