Many people will usually find it very hard to decide whether to entrust the care of their loved ones into the hands of nursing homes, and for good reason too. Though on the face of it, nursing homes seem to be a convenient and useful place where the elderly can spend the twilight years of their lives, unfortunately there are also many perils attached including the risk of nursing home abuse. Even though nursing homes are touted as being best places where proper care is given to the elderly, the risk of nursing home abuse continues to loom large.

Looking The Other Way

Currently, there is a more concerted effort towards showing the dark side of nursing home abuse. Another aspect of nursing home abuse in Las Vegas and elsewhere, which is unfortunate but true, is the profit motive involved in running nursing homes. For-profit nursing homes may cut corners when it comes to obtaining adequate food and cleaning supplies and even when it comes to hiring staff. Underpaid and underskilled staff may have less interested or motivation for treating patients well. Alternatively, such a facility may simply not hire enough staff, leading to additional problems. Patients who are paid for through Medicare may find themselves with fewer privileges than private patients, or at more risk for neglect and abuse.

Signs of Abuse

The signs and symptoms of nursing home abuse can vary greatly, and can range from simple neglect to serious injury. Look for a lack of sanitation in the immediate environment, such as dirty bedsheets or bathroom facilities; signs of malnutrition; failure to maintain residents' personal hygiene; or confinement and isolation. Try to visit frequently, especially during mealtimes, to note the facility's routines.

Abuse can include both physical and sexual abuse—there may be evidence like unexplained injuries or bruising, or a change in the resident's attitude towards staff. Any evidence of abuse should be thoroughly documented.

Residents' Rights

It is important to note that nursing home residents do have certain rights and are protected under the laws of the state of Nevada. For instance, it is prohibited for nursing homes to not allow the patient to meet with their family members, advocate, physician, or other service providers. Violating resident privacy is also a violation of rights. Nursing homes in Las Vegas must also follow one uniform set of practices for each patient in the nursing home, irrespective of the fact that they pay for their stay privately or through Medicare or even Medicaid. In addition, the patient should not have their freedom abused either physically or mentally. Patients also have the right to make complaints about the type of treatment being meted out to them.

Know your legal rights to avoid becoming a victim, and if you feel your rights or the rights of a loved one are being violated, contact the experienced attorneys at Jack Bernstein & Associates to act as your elder care advocate. The attorneys in our Nevada office can help—contact us today to discuss your case.