In an earlier blog post, our Boston nursing neglect and abuse lawyers talked about the recent report released by the Alzheimer’s Association, which one in three elderly persons suffers from Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia when they die and that deaths caused by dementia went up 68% between 2000 and 2010. This means that long-term care, health care, and hospice care costs are expected to rise dramatically from $203 billion now to $1.2 trillion in about 37 years. (By 2050 there will likely be about 13.8 million people suffering form Alzheimer’s.)
Unfortunately, there is no way to slow down or prevent dementia when it happens. Families and the afflicted must do the best they can, whether it means that a loved one must turn caregiver for the person suffering from Alzheimer’s or hire private nursing care or admit a loved one to a long-term care facility.
Because of what dementia does to a person-memory loss, problems communicating, inability to execute tasks, depression, behavior problems, mood swings, and personality changes-such vulnerabilities also means that a dementia/Alzheimer’s patient may be at risk of falling victim to Massachusetts nursing home abuse and neglect, including:
• Inappropriate restraint • Over sedation • Inadequate supervision, which can cause a dementia patient to wander off unsupervised • Sexual abuse • Rape • Verbal abuse • Physical abuse • Negligent care
If you suspect Boston nursing home abuse, you should consider removing your loved one from the facility right away and notify the authorities. You should also contact an experienced Massachusetts personal injury law firm to find out about your legal options.
Sometimes a nursing home staff member may not have the training needed to provide the specialized care and attention that a dementia patient requires. This not only may place the resident at risk of physical injuries, but also it cause his/her emotional well-being to deteriorate, which can cause further health complications. There also are nursing home workers who seek to take advantage of a dementia patient’s affliction by being intentionally abusive or neglectful. There even are abuse incidents involving an abuser who is not a nursing professional but, rather, a family member or a friend who lacks the skills and understanding to properly deal with the challenges that come with dealing with someone suffering form this type of illness. This is no excuse and does not justify elder abuse in any way.
One in three elderly have dementia when they die, USA Today, March 19, 2013
Elder Abuse in Nursing Homes, Nolo
More Blog Posts:
With Older Adults More Prone to Massachusetts Fall Accidents, Boston Nursing Homes Should Exercise the Needed Care to Protect Patient, Boston Injury Lawyer Blog, April 27, 2013
Sex Abuse Can Be A Problem in Boston Nursing Homes, Boston Injury Lawyer Blog, February 24, 2013
When There is Bone-Chilling Weather, Boston Nursing Homes Should Take Precautions to Prevent Hypothermia Injuries and Fatalities, Boston Injury Lawyer Blog, January 23, 2013