Elder Home Abuse vs. Nursing Home Abuse In Oklahoma
The terms elder home abuse and nursing home abuse are often used interchangeably, but there are distinct differences in both egregious cases, based on where the abuse occurs and the perpetrator of the abuse, who is also the liable party in a compensation claim for the abuse victim or their surviving family members.
Knowing the types of abuse that occur to the elderly and understanding how to recognize the signs of abuse helps to identify an at-risk loved one, remove them from danger, and demand legal and financial accountability.
If you believe a vulnerable senior is being mistreated, an Oklahoma City elder home abuse lawyer at Dan Davis Law can help protect their rights and guide your family through the next steps.
Recognizing Signs of Elder Home Abuse or Nursing Home Abuse
Sadly, many victims of elder home abuse and nursing home abuse aren’t physically or cognitively capable of reporting their abuse. Others don’t report abuse due to their feelings of shame or embarrassment. Instead, loved ones should look for common signs of abuse, such as the following:
- Unexplained injuries
- Extreme weight loss
- Dry, cracked skin and lips
- Poor hygiene
- Torn clothing and broken personal items, such as glasses or dentures
- Bloodied clothing or bedsheets
- Untreated bedsores or infections
- Withdrawal from family and friends or changes in mood and personality
- Unexplained financial transactions
- A stranger or distant relative using an elder’s home, car, and personal belongings
A victim of elder or nursing home abuse may also show a reluctance to talk in front of caregivers.
Types of Elder and Nursing Home Abuse In Oklahoma
The elderly are physically, emotionally, and often cognitively fragile, leaving them vulnerable to abuse. Tragically, studies indicate that an estimated five million elderly Americans suffer elder abuse each year, both in nursing homes and in home-care environments.
Elder and nursing home abuse falls into the following categories:
- Neglect, including failing to meet an elder’s basic needs for hydration, nutrition, hygiene, medication administration, and medical care
- Physical abuse, such as hitting, shoving, pinching, kicking, and the unnecessary use of physical restraints
- Emotional abuse, such as threatening, intimidating, yelling, berating, name-calling, mocking, and intentionally isolating an elder
- Sexual abuse, or unwanted touching or penetration
- Financial abuse, or exploiting an elderly person by making unlawful financial transactions from their accounts, stealing money and valuables, or using their home, car, and personal items without their consent
Because many elderly citizens have physical and cognitive impairments, making it difficult for them to report abuse, they are vulnerable to victimization both at home and in nursing homes or long-term care facilities. An Oklahoma elder home abuse attorney helps victims of abuse and their families to investigate the type of abuse and pursue legal action for elder home abuse or nursing home abuse cases.
Understanding Elder Home Abuse In Oklahoma
Elder home abuse is any of the above types of abuse to a senior citizen that occurs outside of a nursing home or assisted living community. Elder abuse happens at home, either when a senior is cared for by hired daily caregivers or by family members. Elder abuse in the home environment includes intentional mistreatment, neglect, or abandonment at the hands of family members, hired caregivers, or by strangers who prey on vulnerable elderly citizens.
Adult Protective Services in Oklahoma is a critical resource for assistance in cases of elder abuse outside of a nursing home facility.
An elder home abuse lawyer in Oklahoma City represents abuse victims and their families to hold the responsible party liable for damages, pain, and suffering. Whether the abuse involves neglect by a hired caregiver or exploitation by a family member, an elder home abuse attorney can investigate the circumstances and build a strong case for compensation.
Oklahoma Nursing Home Abuse
Nursing home abuse refers to cases of neglect, physical abuse, emotional abuse, sexual abuse, or financial exploitation that occur to elderly residents of nursing homes and long-term care facilities. Nursing home abuse occurs at the hands of caregivers, staff members, or other residents. State agencies or regulatory bodies, ombudsmen, and local law enforcement officials investigate nursing home abuse cases.
An Oklahoma nursing home abuse attorney helps victims of nursing home abuse or their surviving family members recover compensation and justice.
Contact an Oklahoma City Elder Home Abuse or Nursing Home Abuse Attorney
The elderly deserve to live their final years in peace, comfort, and security. Unfortunately, far too many suffer neglect and abuse at the hands of those tasked with their care. Contact an Oklahoma City elder home abuse lawyer at Dan Davis Law at (405) 930-4210 to learn more about your loved one’s right to financial accountability and justice.