Nursing Home Abuse and Veterans

Nursing home abuse has been a pervasive problem affecting elderly veterans across the United States for decades. Unfortunately, many veterans who have served their country with honor and distinction are subjected to neglect, financial abuse, physical and emotional abuse, and other forms of mistreatment while in nursing homes.

While some of these cases occur in private facilities, a significant number of them happen in VA nursing homes, which are supposed to offer specialized care and support to veteran populations.

Is your loved one the victim of nursing home abuse? The personal injury attorneys at Nursing Home Law Center, LLC, legally advocate for elder abuse victims.

Contact our nursing home abuse lawyers at (800) 926-7565 or use the contact form to schedule a free consultation. All confidential or sensitive information you share with our legal team remains private through an attorney-client relationship.

A 2019 Government Accountability Office (GAO) report found that VA nursing homes had an increased risk of abuse compared to private homes. The Veterans Affairs report also revealed that many veterans in these facilities were not properly cared for, which increased their risk of developing bed sores, infections, and other injuries.

Nursing homes are designed to provide a safe and comfortable environment for elderly individuals who require assistance with daily activities. Unfortunately, abuse and neglect are far too common, and elderly residents, including veterans, are often mistreated by their caretakers.

Abusive behavior can take many different forms, including:

• Physical abuse involves intentional harm, injury, or pain inflicted on a resident, such as hitting, pushing, or neglecting their needs.
• Emotional abuse could involve actions or words that cause psychological harm, such as intimidation, humiliation, or isolation.
• Sexual abuse is any unwanted sexual contact or activity with a resident.
• Financial exploitation is another significant cause of nursing home neglect and abuse involving theft, unauthorized use of funds, or fraudulent activities.

Several warning signs and symptoms may indicate a resident is being abused or neglected in a nursing home.

Family members can recognize some signs and symptoms of nursing home abuse that include:

• Unexplained injuries or bruises
• Sudden changes in mood or behavior
• Withdrawal or isolation
• Poor hygiene
• Malnutrition
• Unexplained withdrawals or changes in account balances

Nursing home mistreatment and negligence are unacceptable, and steps must be taken to prevent them.

Some causes of abuse and neglect in nursing facilities include:

• Understaffing
• Inadequate training of every nurse aide and licensed/registered nurse
• Poor management
• Lack of accountability
• History of violence or abuse
• Personal or professional stressors

According to the National Center for Elder Abuse (NCEA), elder abuse is a growing problem in nursing homes. It can take many forms, including physical, sexual, and emotional abuse.

Physical abuse is any intentional harm, injury, or pain inflicted on an elderly resident, and it can take many different forms.

This type of mistreatment of elderly residents could involve:

• Hitting
• Slapping
• Pushing
• Kicking
• Shaking
• Restraining

Sexual abuse is any unwanted sexual contact or activity with an elderly resident that can involve physical and non-physical actions.

Sexual abuse can have severe physical and emotional consequences, including sexually transmitted infections, anxiety, and depression.

Sexual abuse of elderly residents could include:

• Touching
• Kissing
• Unwanted sexual advances
• Forced nudity
• Showing pornography
• Sexual assault

Emotional abuse is any action or words that cause psychological harm to an elderly resident. The abuse can lead to social isolation, depression, and other mental health issues, significantly impacting an elderly person's quality of life.

Emotional abuse of elderly residents could involve:

• Yelling
• Insulting
• Ignoring
• Humiliating
• Intimidating
• Threatening

Older veterans have unique needs and concerns that must be addressed to ensure they receive appropriate nursing home care and support.

Many older veterans have service-related injuries and disabilities. These can result from combat, exposure to hazardous materials, or other factors, and they can significantly impact an elderly veteran's quality of life.

Service-related injuries and disabilities could involve:

• Hearing loss
• Vision problems
• Mobility issues
• Chronic pain
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Amputations

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other mental health concerns are prevalent among veterans, particularly those who have experienced combat. These conditions can lead to mental health issues, significantly impacting an elderly veteran's well-being.

Mental health concerns could involve:

• Post-traumatic stress disorder
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Substance abuse
• Memory problems
• Insomnia

In addition to service-related injuries and mental health concerns, veterans may face various health issues associated with aging.

Staff must properly care for and support to help older veterans to manage their health and maintain their quality of life.

Health issues associated with aging could involve:

• Chronic diseases (e.g., diabetes, heart disease, cancer)
• Cognitive decline (e.g., dementia, Alzheimer's disease)
• Mobility issues (e.g., difficulty walking, falls)
• Hearing and vision loss
• Incontinence
• Malnutrition

Older veterans have unique needs that require specialized medical care and attention. By understanding these needs and providing appropriate care and support, staff can help ensure that the elderly receive the quality care they deserve.

Abusing older veterans in nursing facilities is a serious issue. Some steps can be taken to reduce the risk of abuse and support these vulnerable individuals.

Reducing the risk of abuse involves a combination of factors, including properly training staff, ensuring appropriate staffing levels, and implementing effective monitoring and reporting systems.

Nursing homes can help create a safe and supportive environment for older veterans by proactively preventing abuse.

Strategies for reducing the risk of negligence and abuse could involve:

• Encouraging family members to visit regularly and stay involved in their loved one's care
• Creating a culture of respect and accountability in the nursing facility

Effective communication is vital to preventing mistreatment and supporting older veterans. Maintaining open communication lines with staff, employees, and family members can help ensure their loved ones receive appropriate care and support.

Strategies for improving communication with staff could involve:

• Discussing concerns with facility administrators
• Staying informed about your loved one's care plan
• Providing feedback to staff members
• Working collaboratively with staff members to address any issues that arise

Advocating is critical to help prevent mistreatment and ensure that these individuals receive appropriate care and support.

Strategies for advocating for older veterans in nursing homes could involve:

• Working with administrators and staff members to address concerns
• Advocating for changes in facility policies and procedures
• Contacting lawmakers and other stakeholders to express concerns and push for reforms
• Staying informed about Medicare regulations and policies
• Joining advocacy groups and organizations that work to protect the rights of older veterans in nursing homes

Abused victims, including veterans, have legal recourse. If abuse is suspected or witnessed, it should be reported immediately to the appropriate authorities, such as state regulatory agencies or law enforcement.

Victims can also seek civil remedies, such as filing a lawsuit against the nursing home for damages, including medical expenses and pain and suffering. However, seeking legal recourse can be challenging for victims, mainly if they are elderly or have physical or cognitive impairments.

Families, friends, and advocates can play a crucial role in supporting victims and ensuring they receive the justice they deserve. In addition to legal recourse, abuse victims can also access other forms of support, such as counseling or therapy.

Preventing abuse and negligence is the best course of action. Family members and loved ones can take steps to ensure that their older veterans receive proper care in nursing facilities by researching facilities and monitoring their loved one's care.

Additionally, greater government accountability and increased oversight of nursing home facilities may be necessary to protect the well-being of elderly veterans and other vulnerable populations.

Were you or a loved one harmed by negligence or mistreatment by staff, employees, or other residents? If so, it is essential to take action to hold the nursing facility financially accountable for their actions.

One of the most effective ways to do this is to hire a personal injury lawyer specializing in elder abuse cases.

Our veteran nursing home abuse attorneys have years of experience helping clients recover compensation for injuries and damages. We understand the complexities of facility care, VA benefits, and the legal system, and we are committed to helping our clients receive the compensation and justice they deserve.

If you are considering hiring a personal injury lawyer to handle your elder home abuse case, here are a few reasons to consider Nursing Home Law Center, LLC:

• Free consultation: We offer a free consultation to all potential clients, so you can get to know us and learn more about how we can help you.
• Contingency fee: We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning we don't get paid unless you receive a settlement or judgment in your favor.
• Millions recovered: We have helped clients recover millions in compensation for injured victims.
• Experience with nursing home mistreatment cases: Our nursing home abuse attorneys specialize in elder abuse cases, and we deeply understand the legal and regulatory issues that affect these cases.
• Holding nursing facilities accountable: We are committed to holding nursing facilities accountable for their actions, and we will work tirelessly to ensure that you receive the compensation and justice you deserve.

Are you or a loved one a victim of negligence or abusive behavior of others? Contact our veteran nursing home abuse attorneys at (800) 926-7565 or use the contact form. We are here to help you get the compensation and justice you deserve.