Idaho Elder/Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer

According the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS), there are more than 18,000 nursing homes across America with 1.6 million residents. Unfortunately, the National Center on Elder Abuse reports that more than 50% of nursing homes are understaffed. The stress and frustration that results among staff members, coupled with numerous other factors, may lead to elder/nursing home abuse, which is estimated to occur in approximately 30% of all nursing homes across the United States.

Every year, tens of thousands of elderly Americans are abused in their own homes, in relatives' homes, and even in facilities responsible for their care. As people age and become elderly, they may become more and more physically frail, experience a decline of their eyesight and hearing, and become less able to stand up for themselves if being bullied mentally or physically. You may suspect that an elderly person you know is being harmed physically or emotionally by a neglectful or overwhelmed caregiver or being preyed upon financially. If you do, it's imperative that you discuss your options with an Idaho elder/nursing home abuse lawyer.

Elder/nursing home abuse can come different forms. It can be physical, sexual or psychological. It can also include malnutrition, financial exploitation, identity theft and neglect. Some examples of visible injuries that may alert you to the occurrence of abuse or maltreatment include broken bones, cuts, scars, and bed sores. The signs of neglect may be a bit harder to notice because the injuries aren't as readily apparent. Neglect includes providing insufficient food and water, inadequate attention to hygiene in residents who are not self-sufficient, inadequate medical care, and failure to assist residents who have mobility issues. If you notice anything about the appearance, condition or behavior of a loved on who resides in a nursing home, or if there is anything troubling about the conditions or environment of the nursing home or elder care facility, you should address your concerns with the staff and administrators.

All nursing home or elder care facilities have an obligation to protect the rights of every single resident, and to provide an attractive, clean, and healthy environment. They are also obligated to treat residents equally, with no discrimination based on race, religion, color, nationality, ability or source of payment. Nursing home facilities are required by federal law to compose a Nursing Home Resident's Bill of Rights, which they are also required to make available to any resident upon request. The Bill of Rights outlines all policies of the specific nursing home, and each facility must require residents to sign a statement, indicating they have read and understood these rights, before admittance. Specific rights include the right to be informed about one's specific medical condition and treatment, the right to participate in planning one's care and medical treatment, the right to choose a physician, the right to manage personal finances, the right to privacy, dignity, and respect, the right to personal possessions, the right to be free from restraints and abuse in nursing homes, the right to voice grievance without retaliation, the right to be discharged or transferred only for medical reasons, and the rights of access.

If you have made the difficult decision to place a family member in a nursing home, you and your family member shouldn't have to suffer through any type of neglect or abuse at the hands of a caregiver or even other residents. If you suspect that you or someone you love has been abused or mistreated in a nursing home, you should contact an Idaho elder/nursing home abuse lawyer or attorney immediately. If you or someone you love has suffered any type of abuse at the hands of another resident, you should also contact an Idaho civil lawyer or attorney if you are seeking damages outside of the facility.

An Idaho elder/nursing home abuse lawyer or attorney should offer a free nursing home abuse consultation where they will evaluate your case, explain your legal rights, and assess the damages to which they feel you may be entitled as a result of any abuse or neglect caused by an Idaho nursing home. The attorney will also be well-versed in Idaho nursing home abuse laws.

If you are ready to contact an Idaho elder/nursing home abuse lawyer or attorney, visit the American Bar Association and utilize the site's lawyer locator. Access to the site and the lawyer locator is free.

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