Four Myths About Nursing Home Abuse in South Carolina

Making the decision to admit a loved one into a nursing home is very difficult. You want to trust that your loved one will receive the quality care and support they deserve. Unfortunately, abuse and neglect does occur in these facilities. To make the matter worse, there are many myths and misconceptions regarding nursing home abuse. When people believe them, it can make it more difficult to make sure their loved one’s rights are respected. Below, our Mt. Pleasant nursing home abuse and neglect lawyer outlines what these are, and the truth behind them.

Abuse Only Happens in Nursing Homes 

While people may refer to ‘nursing home abuse and neglect,’ it sadly does not mean this type of behavior is limited to just these facilities. Abuse and neglect can also occur in other long-term facilities, such as assisted living facilities. Seniors also often have caretakers come into their home and abuse and neglect can occur there, too. Loved ones of seniors should always remain vigilant and watch for signs of abuse any time a family member is being cared for by someone else.

The Most Common Type of Abuse is Physical 

When many people first think of abuse, physical abuse is often the first type that comes to mind. While kicking, shoving, pinching, and hitting are different types of abuse, this is not the most common type. In fact, emotional abuse is the most common in nursing homes and other facilities. Emotional abuse can include threatening, criticizing, and belittling seniors, or isolating seniors from other residents and guests. These are just a few of the most common forms of emotional abuse.

Financial abuse is also very common in nursing homes, particularly around the holidays. This type of abuse can include stealing money from seniors or tricking them into giving staff members legal authority, such as a power of attorney.

Family Members Have No Say in Medical Care 

Nursing home staff members and administrators often tell family members of patients that they do not have a say in the medical care the resident receives. However, this is not true. You always have a say in the medical care your loved one receives and your voice always matters. If you are being told otherwise, it is important to seek legal advice.

Residents Always Report Abuse 

It is natural to think that if a nursing home resident is being abused or neglected, they would report it to make it stop. Unfortunately, this is not true. Just like other victims of abuse, nursing home residents often feel ashamed or embarrassed by the abuse. Other times, nursing home residents do not have the mental capacity to understand that they are the victim of abuse. For these reasons, family members should always watch for the signs of abuse and neglect.

Our Nursing Home Abuse and Negligence Lawyer Can Help Your Family 

If you suspect that your loved one is suffering at the hands of those entrusted with their care, our Mt. Pleasant nursing home abuse and negligence lawyer at Fuller Law Firm can help. We are dedicated to helping those who are most vulnerable and will put our commitment and expertise to work for you. Call us today at 843-277-0013 or contact us online to schedule a consultation.

Source:

scstatehouse.gov/code/t43c035.php