Elder & Nursing Abuse Attorneys of Arizona

Did you know that doctors report less than two percent of elder abuse and neglect received by state service agencies, according to studies conducted in recent years?  Apparently, many doctors do not view elder abuse the same way they view child abuse.

Doctors in Arizona and all other States are required by law to report suspected elder abuse of their patients.  Doctors, today, are pressed for time and allowing elder abuse to go undetected has become a huge problem.  Doctors who suspect abuse should ask their patients if anyone has hurt them and get the details – not walk away without doing anything.  Studies indicate that every year more than two million older adults are victims of physical, psychological or other types of abuse.

There are many reasons why some doctors do not report abuse.  The main one is because elder abuse is often hidden.  Doctors today just do not spend as much time with a patient like they once did.  In addition, many patients beg their doctors not to report it for fear that an abusive family member will be sent to jail.

If you are a family member with a loved one in a nursing home, it is your responsibility to watch over that loved one.  If you suspect elder abuse, don’t wait for your loved one’s doctor to report it, report it yourself.  Contact an experienced Arizona Elder Abuse Attorney, one who will fight for the rights of your loved one and one who will report it to the authorities.

With all the talk of nursing home abuse and neglect, how do you tell if your loved one is being neglected – especially if she or he does not tell you?  The most common sign is known as a pressure sore or bedsore.   It is unfortunate that many nursing home patients do not complain about treatment or lack of it.

The definition of a pressure sore is, “a localized area of tissue injury that develops when soft tissue is compressed between a bony prominence and an external surface for a prolonged period of time.”  The external surface could be a wheelchair or mattress.  These sores can also result from sitting in the same position or the same place for long periods without being moved.  Serious cases may involve death and decay of tissue, also known as gangrene.

Health care providers must be held accountable for this type of neglect.  If you or a loved one is suffering from these painful sores, I urge you to contact an experienced Elder Abuse Attorney who will fight for yours or your loved one’s rights.  No one deserves to suffer abuse or neglect.

Many seniors move to Arizona because of the warm, dry climate – the population is growing daily.  Unfortunately, many end up requiring nursing home care and constant attention.  Some are unable to communicate their needs to the staff or caregiver. Because of this, neglect or abuse is not often reported. In some cases, abuse comes from other patients or visitors – not always a staff person.

If you have a loved one in a nursing home, recognize signs of abuse.  If a staff member insists upon being in the room when you visit your loved one, investigate.  Also, make sure your loved one is eating enough, getting water and the correct medication at the appropriate times.  Look at your loved one and make sure he or she is clean and getting bathed often.

If you suspect neglect or abuse, consult an Elder Abuse Attorney as soon as possible.