The New York Times recently reported about a daughter’s shock when a video camera she had hidden in her elderly mother’s nursing home room didn’t help to catch a suspected thief as intended. Instead, it recorded two nursing home employees maliciously, physically abusing her mom. The daughter showed the video to law enforcement authorities and the two employees were eventually fired. The unfortunate reality is that 1 in 10 older Americans are abused or neglected and much of that abuse goes unreported.

Most New Yorkers don’t get to see their elderly loved one as often as they’d like. This blog suggests some warning signs for friends and family to be aware of when visiting elderly loved ones to ensure that they live with the dignity, care and respect that they deserve and that the law demands.

Here are Five Types of Abuse and the Warning Signs:

1.   Physical Abuse — Bruises, pressure marks, broken bones, abrasions, and burns

2.   Emotional Abuse — Mental pain, anguish, or distress

3.   Sexual Abuse — Bruises around the breasts or genital area

4.   Exploitation — Illegal taking, misuse, or concealment of funds, property, or assets of a vulnerable elder

5.   Neglect — Bed Sores, unattended medical needs, poor hygiene, and unusual weight loss

This is such an important issue that I have prepared a Nursing Home Guide for nursing home patients and their families. Please visit my website at www.Katterlaw.com to request your free copy.

In many cases, patients or their families have been able to successfully recover money damages for the pain and suffering caused by nursing home mistreatment, abuse and neglect. If you have any questions or concerns regarding your elderly loved one, please feel free to contact us.

Ron Katter
Katter Law Firm
Phone: 866-LAW-HELP
Alt Phone: 212-809-4293