Emotional Abuse and Neglect Lawyers New Jersey

Nursing home members are being taken advantage of

Nursing home abuse and neglect affects some of the most vulnerable members of our society. The people in these facilities are our parents and grandparents. They deserve better. Physical abuse may be easy to spot, due to bruising or bodily scars. Signs of emotional abuse and neglect are much subtler, though no less traumatic to the victim. Elderly patients in nursing home facilities need to be closely monitored for signs of emotional abuse and neglect by the medical and support staff at the facility, as well as all family members, friends, and relatives who come to visit the patient. When abuse is suspected or confirmed, it needs to be taken seriously and reported to the nursing home administration and to local authorities when warranted. And you may want to hire a lawyer, like the emotional abuse and neglect lawyers New Jersey relies on, to represent you or someone close to you.

Types of Emotional Abuse and Neglect

Emotional abuse and neglect of nursing home patients can be difficult to detect. There are many types of abuse, each leaving the patient with emotional scars that can be as painful and damaging as those that occur with physical violence. These include:

Verbal humiliation of the resident
Blaming, scapegoating, and shaming
Intimidation in the form of verbal threats or yelling
Isolation of the elder from friends and social activities
Verbal and non-verbal threats
Ignoring signs of a decline in the emotional health of the patient

The National Center on Elder Abuse and the Bureau of Justice Statistics reported over six million cases of elder abuse in 2010, with over 400,000 of these cases involving emotional abuse. Sadly, these statistics show that nearly ten percent (10%) of elderly residents in nursing homes and assisted living facilities suffer some form of emotional abuse or neglect.

Signs of Emotional Abuse and Neglect

The signs of emotional abuse and neglect in the elderly are often subtle and require careful and continuous monitoring by nursing home staff and the loved ones of the nursing home resident. If any of the following apply to you or someone close to you, think about seeking counsel from the emotional abuse and neglect lawyers New Jersey relies on. Some of the most common symptoms include:

Sudden changes in personality that include severe mood swings, low self esteem, or failure to make eye contact
Refusal to speak or engage in conversation
Abrupt onset of depression, feelings of hopelessness, or fear
Withdraw from social activities or hobbies
Self-inflicted harm
Changes in sleeping and eating habits
Signs of fear in the presence of specific nursing home staff
Reluctance to openly discuss their health
Unwilling to make decisions
Increased anxiety or cognitive decline

Though these symptoms may occur in elderly people from time to time, when they appear suddenly, or indicate a distinct change from the patient’s normal behavior, abuse or neglect should be suspected and investigated.

Reporting Emotional Abuse and Neglect

As soon as emotional abuse or neglect is suspected, it needs to be reported immediately. Doctors, nurses, medical assistants, or staff of the nursing home should report all signs of emotional abuse or neglect to the administration. Family members, friends, and loved ones of the nursing home resident should report their suspicions to the medical staff and the administration of the facility. All suspicions need to be taken seriously and thoroughly investigated. Prompt attention needs to be given to each case.

If the authorities fail to give the claim sufficient attention, the suspected abuse should be reported to local law enforcement and state authorities. If the nursing home is in New Jersey, victims or their family members can call or log onto the New Jersey Department of Health website to report the facility and the abuse. In all situations where emotional or physical abuse and neglect is suspected, it is advisable to contact an experienced elder abuse and neglect lawyer, like the emotional abuse and neglect lawyers New Jersey residents have come to rely on, who is familiar with the laws of the state and committed to protecting the rights of the elderly victim. They can ensure that there is a full investigation into the claim and will maintain consistent monitoring of the patient’s health to make sure the abuse doesn’t continue.