It is almost never easy to get a loved one into a nursing home or assisted living facility, whether it is his or her choice. It’s difficult to trust a facility to attend to all of your loved one’s needs – food, shelter, hygiene, medication, and more.
Most of us recognize the really hard work caregivers do in these facilities, often for low wages. But the fact remains that when you are on the job, you have to give it your all because often residents rely on you for everything.
So imagine the horror anyone with a parent or loved one in a nursing home must feel when they read that three people at an assisted living facility in North Carolina were recently arrested for having a fight club among elderly residents Have organized dementia.
A cruel discovery
Winston-Salem police began investigating the facility in June after receiving a tip. What they found shakes one’s conscience. Staff encouraged residents to fight, videotape the attacks, and share the videos on social media.
One of the residents was slapped in the face and suffocated during one of the fighting.
Another investigation into the facility revealed that it had failed to distribute drugs, review medical records, and properly train staff. The facility has been banned from accepting new residents since August.
Recognize the signs of abuse by the elderly
Incidents like this lead to relatives having to look out for loved ones living in nursing homes and assisted living facilities. Often times, residents exposed to abuse or neglect are afraid to speak up for fear of punishment.
Some of these signs of abuse and neglect are:
- Bruises, cuts, burn marks, or other wounds
- Bad hygiene
- Weight loss
- Malnutrition and dehydration
- Confusion and disorientation
- Depression, withdrawal, and reluctance to interact with people
If you suspect that your loved one is a victim of abuse or neglect, it is important to contact the authorities immediately. Now that you have taken care of their immediate safety, it is a good idea to consider what legal options you have to obtain compensation for the suffering of your loved one. A successful lawsuit or settlement can also send a strong message to other bad players in the industry.
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