If you are thinking about putting a loved one in a nursing home you may have heard many myths circulating about nursing home facilities.
We inherently put a lot of trust in nursing home facilities to take care of our elder loved ones. You never expect that someone you love has been wrongly abused or neglected at the hands of a medical professional. Studies have shown that the majority of people do not fully understand the complexities of nursing home abuse cases. If you are thinking about putting a loved one in a nursing home you may have heard many myths circulating about nursing home facilities. Let’s debunk some of the common myths about nursing home abuse and neglect.
Nursing Home Abuse is Always Obvious
Many people believe that nursing home abuse is easy to spot, but this is not always the case. When people hear the word abuse, they think of bruises, cuts, and other physical injuries. A person can be physically harmed but not show any markings. However, not all abuse is physical. Emotional abuse and financial exploitation occur very frequently as well.
Nursing Home Residents Will Speak Up Against Abuse
Another common myth people believe is that if the nursing home resident says they aren’t being abused, then no abuse has occurred. Unfortunately, that is usually not the case. Often, nursing home residents who have been the victims of abuse or neglect deny such allegations. In some cases, a resident could have dementia and simply not be aware that they have been victimized. Other times, seniors are scared to speak up out of fear of retaliation by the abuser.
Abuse Only Occurs in Nursing Homes
Elder abuse most often happens in nursing homes, but it can happen anywhere. Abuse and neglect are not limited to skilled nursing homes. Other facilities include assisted-living facilities, senior living communities, and an elderly adult’s own private home. Any place where an elder adult receives care, they are at risk for abuse or neglect.
Nursing Home Abuse is not Serious
Studies have shown that 1 in 10 elders in nursing homes suffer some type of abuse or neglect. Elder abuse also can have serious health risks for victims, including increased risk of disease, death, institutionalization, and hospital admission. This myth is so prevalent because nursing home abuse often goes unreported.
If your loved one has been a victim of nursing home malpractice, you have a right to representation. Our attorneys at Snyder Law Group have decades of experience in handling nursing home neglect cases. Reach out to us today to get started!
Contact The Snyder Law Group Today
The Snyder Law Group, LLC, proudly represents clients throughout Maryland and Washington, D.C. Our experienced Baltimore attorneys understand the frustration that comes with an insurance company, medical professional, or other party that refuses to accept liability for negligent or reckless behavior. You can take heart in knowing there are talented and experienced lawyers ready to work for you. We are experienced in handling personal injury claims of medical malpractice or injury resulting from serious car and truck accidents, and have secured hundreds of millions in verdicts and settlements. Please visit our website, www.410thefirm.com, or call us at 410-843-3476, for more information. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.