ursing Homes and other elder care providers in Minnesota have a duty to report abuse and neglect of vulnerable adults. Nursing Homes should ensure that the residents are properly placed in the facility and that persons with medical or psychological conditions which make them unable to report incidents (Alzheimers, Dementia, Cognitive Issues) themselves need to be more closely monitored.
Recently there was been news concerning a resident in a Minnesota Nursing Home who was the alleged victim of sexual abuse from a nursing home employee.
According to a <a href=”http://www.twincities.com/localnews/ci_20214890/st-paul-nursing-home-worker-sexually-assaulted-resident”>Pioneer Press Article</a> which related the details of a Minnesota Department of Health Report that concluded abuse was likely in Highland Chateau Health Care Center.
The state agency alleged that an ex-employee of the facility had on several occasions tried to touch a resident’s breasts, exposed his penis and had her provide oral sex. However, no charges appear to be filed to date. The employee had apparently been the subject of a previously allegation of inappropriate sexual behavior at a different facility, but the allegations were not substantiated.
To see if a Minnesota Nursing Home or elder care facility has a history or substantiated neglect, review the Minnesota Department of Health, Office of Health Facility Complaints, Investigative Findings at the <a href=”http://www.health.state.mn.us/divs/fpc/directory/surveyapp/provcompselect.cfm”>MDH website.</a>
<h1>Signs of Nursing Home Abuse</h1>
There are a number of different warning signs that could suggest that a nursing home is not providing adequate health care. In many cases, these warning signs will go unnoticed until it is too late. In other cases, these warning signs are simply brushed off by family members and friends. And, in even more cases, these warning signs are hidden behind closed doors. Whatever the case, it is important to be on the lookout for any signs of nursing home abuse or neglect. Nursing homes are supposed to be a place of support and security; however, this is not always the case. If you notice any warning signs that a nursing home is not up to standard, then it is important to <a title=”contact” href=”http://www.mnnursinghomeneglect.com/contact”>contact</a> a elderly abuse attorney immediately.
<h2><strong>Physical Signs of Nursing Home Abuse</strong></h2>
Physical signs can often be a great indicator of abuse. If your loved one is showing any of these symptoms, it could be a sign of neglect or abuse:
<ul>
<li><em>Bed sores/ pressure sores</em></li>
<li><em>Torn clothing or personal items</em></li>
<li><em>Constant falls and traumas</em></li>
<li><em>Excessive weight loss or weight gain</em></li>
<li><em>Fecal/urine smells</em></li>
<li><em>Pale complexion</em></li>
<li><em>Lack of personal hygiene</em></li>
<li><em>Presence of dirt, lice, fleas, etc.</em></li>
<li><em>A change in personality</em></li>
</ul>
Keep in mind that abuse can also occur without any shred of physical symptoms. It is also important to remember that emotional abuse be just as common and devastating to the nursing home victim.
<h3><strong>Signs of Nursing Home Neglect or Inadequate Care</strong></h3>
There are a number of cases where the neglect or abuse is not as easy to recognize as the physical signs. One of the best ways to understand if a nursing home is providing adequate care is to understand the Minnesota Nursing Home Resident Bill of Rights. Some of the signs that neglect or abuse is taking place may include:
<ul>
<li><em>Lack of staff members and lack of service provided</em></li>
<li><em>Rudeness of staff members</em></li>
<li><em>Lack of entertainment facilities</em></li>
<li><em>Lack of patient morale</em></li>
<li><em>Lack of proper diet, nutrition and lifestyle facilities</em></li>
<li><em>Lack of proper heating or cooling</em></li>
<li><em>Lack of proper hygienic cleaning</em></li>
</ul>
If you notice any of the following, then it is important to discuss your concerns with your loved one as well as with an experienced nursing home abuse lawyer.
<strong>The Minnesota Eldercare Rights Alliance has indentified the most common types of elder abuse and the signs to look for each type</strong>
<strong> </strong>
<strong>Self-Neglect</strong>
poor hygiene, not taking prescribed medications, house
becoming dirty or hoarding behavior is evident, utilities shut off
due to lack of payment. Often self-neglect can be signs of
other abuse such as financial exploitation.
<strong>Physical Abuse</strong>
bruises or injuries that don’t seem consistent with explanation,
broken furniture or possessions (evidence of an altercation), an
elder’s report of being hit, slapped or abused.
<strong>Financial Exploitation</strong>
sudden unawareness of financial matters, bills not being paid
even though elder should have resources to pay bills,
unexplained transfer of assets or possessions, an elder’s report
of being exploited.
<strong>Emotional</strong>
crying spells, becoming withdrawn or agitated, sudden changes
in behavior, an elder’s report of abuse
wounds or injuries not healing or being treated, medications or
other prescriptions not being filled, bills not being paid (risking
eviction from home), an elder’s report of maltreatment.
<strong> </strong>
<strong>Sexual Assault</strong>
sudden withdrawal or isolation, bruising around genital area, an
elder’s report of assault or rape.
For a copy of a brochure regarding elder abuse from Eldercare Rights Alliance
<h3><strong>Contact Us For A Free Consultation</strong></h3>
Realizing that your loved one may be in danger and may not be receiving the utmost quality of care can make you feel anger, helpless and confused. You most likely will not know what to do or who to turn to for help with this injustice. This is why it is so important to <a title=”contact” href=”http://www.mnnursinghomeneglect.com/contact”>contact</a> a qualified elder home abuse lawyer to help assess the situation and work on the case.
If you or a loved one has suffered an injury from neglect or abuse in a nursing home or other care facility that serves the elderly in Minnesota please contact our firm for a free consultation and information regarding the obligations of the facility and your rights as a resident or concerned family member. To contact Attorney Kenneth L. LaBore, directly please send an email to <a href=”mailto:klabore@guardianlegalservices.net”>klabore@guardianlegalservices.net</a> or call Ken at 612-743-9048