Is Your Loved One Affected by Nursing Home Psychological Abuse?
Atlanta Nursing Home Abuse Attorney Working on Behalf of Senior Citizens
The National Center for Elder Abuse estimates that 10 percent of elders suffer some kind of abuse from a caregiver. Emotional care is just as much a part of proper healthcare as physician visits and nutrition, and emotional health can directly affect physical health. Nursing homes must provide a safe and welcoming environment as part of their care responsibilities. If they fail in this duty, or neglect to terminate employees with a known history of abuse, they must be held responsible for the psychological and physical trauma.
If your loved one has suddenly become emotionally withdrawn, or seems to have suffered some unknown trauma from nursing home psychological abuse, contact our office as soon as possible. There are very strict time limits for bringing legal action against an abusive nursing home. Atlanta nursing home abuse lawyer Stephen D. Apolinsky has tried and received over 70 favorable jury verdicts at trial, and he champions the rights of elderly individuals who suffered harm at a nursing home facility.
Psychological Abuse Has Many Forms
Abusive workers and careless physicians can inflict immense emotional trauma on the residents of a nursing home. Psychological abuse in nursing homes can come in the form of:
- Verbal harassment
- Threats
- Social isolation
- Direct or indirect humiliation
- Intimidation or the threat of violence
- Inappropriate sexual comments
Neglect that results in physical wounds like bedsores and ulcers also can cause anxiety and emotional suffering. Residents in nursing homes may not have the authority or mental capacity to take a stand for their rights as patients and human beings.
Signs that Abuse Has Occurred
Psychological abuse can be difficult to detect. Certain signs and behaviors by your loved one may indicate that they have suffered an emotional wound due to the actions of the nursing home. These signs include:
- Sudden and unexplained withdrawal
- Quietness, or a reticence to speak
- Visible discomfort in certain areas or around certain people
- Loss of enjoyment in previously loved activities
- Difficulty eating or sleeping
Many victims of emotional abuse are hesitant to speak up about their experiences out of a fear of retaliation or embarrassment. However, with the help of a compassionate Atlanta nursing home abuse attorney, you may be able to learn the full story of what happened to your loved one.
We Are Committed To Justice for Elderly Individuals and Families
We want to hear from you if you or a loved one has been affected by emotional torment from a nursing home. Contact our office today for a free consultation with an Atlanta nursing home abuse lawyer. Your family has suffered enough; let us fight for the justice and compensation you and your family deserve. Legal action can result in an award of damages for any emotional or physical suffering your family has had to endure.
