Programs Raising Awareness about Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect
April 23, 2013 By Zevan and Davidson Law Firm, LLC
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Awareness is extremely important when it comes to eliminating nursing home abuse and neglect and elder abuse. Calling attention to the existence and prevalence of these issues is crucial and it is also very important for family members to develop an awareness of the signs of abuse, so that cases can be identified and dealt with.
Several Kentucky programs have been working to call attention to the nationwide issues of nursing home abuse and neglect. Abuse and neglect can be devastating to victims of abuse and their families. The combined efforts in Kentucky of the FIVCO Long Term Care Ombudsman Program and the Legal Aid of the Bluegrass, are helping to raise public awareness of the problem and its effects.
The elder population continues to grow, and the district ombudsman in Kentucky, mentions that calling attention to abuse will help in prevention. She says, “We're trying to get some public interest and find some people to help us fund some public awareness initiatives we want to take. We need to get elder abuse where it is as talked about like domestic violence and child abuse.” She is also the vice chairperson of the Local Coordinating Council on Elder Maltreatment.
The U.S. Census Bureau reports that in 2010, 21.1% of the nation’s population was over the age of 62 and this number will keep growing. As more and more people enter nursing homes and assisted living facilities it is all the more important that abuses and negligence do not increase.
To prevent and identify abuse in your life, you should always be aware of signs of abuse. If you notice a change in behavior, physical signs like bed sores, bruises, black eyes, or if you are not allowed to see your loved one, these could be signs that they are being abused.
Abuse does not always have to be physical, she relates. “It can be physical, mental, sexual, financial exploitation. Abuse takes a lot of different forms.” Financial pilfering is a common problem, and so is the theft of prescription drugs from the elderly. These are not always things that people think of when they think of nursing home abuse, but being aware of the range of abuses will be vital in preventing them.
People need to know how common these problems are and that they can play a part in preventing them. The Council on Elder Maltreatment includes over 40 community members who are interested in helping educate people about these issues and prevent further instances of abuse.
If you or a loved one has experienced nursing home abuse in Missouri or Illinois, contact a nursing home abuse attorney who can help you to make a case against the offending facility. Even with minor incidents, you have the right to file a civil case and seek damages against the nursing home or staff who perpetrated the abuse. Your nursing home abuse attorney can help to advocate for your family and to protect your rights.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: David Zevan
At the Zevan and Davidson Law Firm we have qualified nursing home abuse lawyers with the proven ability to help you and your family receive the justice you deserve. Since 1991, our Personal Injury Lawyers, led by David M. Zevan and Kevin J. Davidson, have been standing up for the rights of accident victims in Missouri and Illinois.
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More information about Zevan and Davidson Law Firm, LLC
Disclaimer: While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this publication, it is not intended to provide legal advice as individual situations will differ and should be discussed with an expert and/or lawyer. For specific technical or legal advice on the information provided and related topics, please contact the author.
The elder population continues to grow, and the district ombudsman in Kentucky, mentions that calling attention to abuse will help in prevention. She says, “We're trying to get some public interest and find some people to help us fund some public awareness initiatives we want to take. We need to get elder abuse where it is as talked about like domestic violence and child abuse.” She is also the vice chairperson of the Local Coordinating Council on Elder Maltreatment.
The U.S. Census Bureau reports that in 2010, 21.1% of the nation’s population was over the age of 62 and this number will keep growing. As more and more people enter nursing homes and assisted living facilities it is all the more important that abuses and negligence do not increase.
To prevent and identify abuse in your life, you should always be aware of signs of abuse. If you notice a change in behavior, physical signs like bed sores, bruises, black eyes, or if you are not allowed to see your loved one, these could be signs that they are being abused.
Abuse does not always have to be physical, she relates. “It can be physical, mental, sexual, financial exploitation. Abuse takes a lot of different forms.” Financial pilfering is a common problem, and so is the theft of prescription drugs from the elderly. These are not always things that people think of when they think of nursing home abuse, but being aware of the range of abuses will be vital in preventing them.
People need to know how common these problems are and that they can play a part in preventing them. The Council on Elder Maltreatment includes over 40 community members who are interested in helping educate people about these issues and prevent further instances of abuse.
If you or a loved one has experienced nursing home abuse in Missouri or Illinois, contact a nursing home abuse attorney who can help you to make a case against the offending facility. Even with minor incidents, you have the right to file a civil case and seek damages against the nursing home or staff who perpetrated the abuse. Your nursing home abuse attorney can help to advocate for your family and to protect your rights.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: David Zevan
At the Zevan and Davidson Law Firm we have qualified nursing home abuse lawyers with the proven ability to help you and your family receive the justice you deserve. Since 1991, our Personal Injury Lawyers, led by David M. Zevan and Kevin J. Davidson, have been standing up for the rights of accident victims in Missouri and Illinois.
Copyright Zevan and Davidson Law Firm, LLC - Google+
More information about Zevan and Davidson Law Firm, LLC
View all articles published by Zevan and Davidson Law Firm, LLC
Disclaimer: While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this publication, it is not intended to provide legal advice as individual situations will differ and should be discussed with an expert and/or lawyer. For specific technical or legal advice on the information provided and related topics, please contact the author.
