If your loved one falls and is injured, or develops pressure sores, or is subject to any other type of abuse or neglect, then call Mr. Wilson to discuss the situation. The elderly usually cannot advocate for themselves. Together we can be their voices.
Virginia Legal Definitions
ABUSE
The willful infliction of injury, unreasonable confinement, intimidation or punishment with resulting physical harm, pain or mental anguish, or deprivation by an individual, including caretaker, of goods or services that are necessary to attain or maintain physical, mental, and psycho-social well-being. This includes verbal, sexual, physical or mental abuse.
NEGLECT
“Neglect” means a failure to provide timely and consistent services, treatment or care to a resident or residents that are necessary to obtain or maintain the resident or residents’ health, safety or comfort; or failure to provide timely and consistent goods and services necessary to avoid physical harm, mental anguish, or mental illness.
Mr. Wilson understands that elder abuse is a serious and pervasive issue that almost every American family may be forced to confront. Physical abuse and neglect take several forms, sometimes open and sometimes subtle. Pressure sores, falls, choking, overused chemical and physical restraints, prescription errors, over-medicating, under-medicating, undernourishment, dehydration and elopement (which is an unauthorized or unnoticed departure from the facility) are all potential signs that the standard of care is not being met. Often the conditions go unreported. Unabated. Which is unacceptable.
Rated in the top 5% of Virginia Elder Law attorneys who are honored as “Super Lawyers”, Mr. Wilson is an experienced trial attorney committed to holding facilities accountable for elder neglect and abuse in the Commonwealth of Virginia and you can expect that Mr. Wilson will vigorously seek justice for you and your family.
If you suspect that a loved one is the victim of abuse or neglect in a nursing home, adult assisted living facility, hospice or other facility, act promptly. The elderly and disabled have rights protected by law. Mr. Wilson may be able to assist you in enforcing those rights in civil litigation to recover compensation in the event of injury or wrongful death. You and your family members are often the first ones to sense that something is not right. Together we can challenge what is wrong, protect those most in need of protecting, and empower families and their loved ones to reclaim their rights and dignity.
Do You Know the Signs of Elder Abuse?
Fall Protection is one of the most important interventions that the Nursing Home is to put in place. Why are our loved ones found on the floor? If your family member or loved one has fallen and suffered broken bones or worse, please call and I will be happy to discuss the issues with you.
Warning Signs When Visiting Your Family Member in a Nursing Home or Other Facility
- Listen to what the resident is telling you about the home. Even if he has dementia, he still might be able to report on certain circumstances accurately.
- Observe their behavior/body language around the staff. Are there smiles and respectful communication? Do staffers know your loved one’s needs and preferences?
- Ask your family member if you can check their skin for cuts and bruises, depending of course on the relationship that you have with him or her. Also, know that not all bruises are a sign of abuse. If you see bruises, ask the resident what happened and also ask the provider.
- Warning signs of abuse/neglect/bad care can include such things as repeated falls, unexplained weight loss, sudden changes in behavior such as withdrawal or agitation, and not toileting or grooming. Again those are indicators and not dispositive. But do not hesitate to ask questions.
The above are excerpted with modification from The Seattle Times article “Warning signs to look for when visiting senior homes.”
Additional suggestions include:
- When you visit the facility, arrive at different times of the day. If your loved one is always in bed or asleep, it could be an indication of over-medication, improper medication, malnutrition, or depression or some other problem.
- The resident’s avoidance, anxiety, agitation or withdrawn behavior around one or more staff members may be a warning sign.
- If the resident is left in soiled clothing, or exhibits poor hygiene, increased confusion, or behavioral changes, then these are the types of conditions that should prompt further questioning of both the resident and the staff.
While not intended to be a complete list, these types of questions are based on common sense and are grounded in the fundamental philosophy that our loved ones should get the care for which they are paying. Our elders do not “sign away” their rights to dignity and comfort when entering a long-term care facility. Be vigilant and proactive.
Call Mr. Wilson at 757-233-2922 or send an email today if you suspect that your loved one has been injured in a medical facility or nursing home and speak directly to an attorney who has over 30 years of litigation experience and can get you the results that you deserve. Even when the nursing home will not speak to you, Mr. Wilson will. You will not be passed off to a young attorney learning the ropes or paralegal simply taking information. You will speak with Mr. Wilson directly and confidentially. He will take things from there.