Helping Victims in Kansas City, MO & Beyond
Although the decision to move a loved one who suffers from Alzheimer’s disease into a nursing home is never an easy one, you should be able to trust that the facility’s staff will provide attentive and compassionate care. Unfortunately, nursing home abuse can occur at even the most highly rated assisted-living centers.
If you suspect the physical or mental abuse of a family member with Alzheimer’s disease in a Kansas City nursing home, you should contact the attorneys at Cullan & Cullan as soon as possible. In cases relating to nursing home abuse and neglect, there are advantages of hiring lawyers who are also doctors, like those at our firm.
Alzheimer’s Patients Growing Segment of Nursing Home Population
Many nursing home patients have medical conditions that require special attention. Those suffering from Alzheimer’s are no different. Alzheimer’s patients, however, comprise an increasing segment of nursing home residents.
According to the Alzheimer Association’s 2011 facts and figures report, approximately 5 million people ages 65 and older suffer from Alzheimer’s disease. The Alzheimer’s Association anticipates that 75 percent of those with Alzheimer’s disease will be admitted to nursing homes by the age of 80.
Add those numbers to an aging population that is both growing in numbers and living longer, and the potential for nursing home abuse and neglect rises as well.
Abuse of Alzheimer’s Patients
Due to the specifics of their conditions, nursing home residents who suffer from Alzheimer’s disease or forms of dementia are especially susceptible to a wide range of types of abuse, neglect, and exploitation.
Lawsuits against nursing homes typically involve:
- Abuse: The intentional infliction of harm, such as physical assault or the willful deprivation of food, drink, and medication.
- Neglect: This differs from abuse due to a lack of intent and may include failure to prevent conditions such as bed sores.
- Medical malpractice: In which health care providers cause injury or wrongful death due to negligence, such as administering an incorrect dose of medication.
- Theft or financial exploitation: This can include identity theft or stealing personal possessions.
The abusive behavior itself can come in many forms, from mental cruelty to physical abuse to financial manipulation.
Nursing Home Abuse Penalties
Penalties for facilities charged with nursing home abuse can include:
- Loss of license
- Loss of federal and state funds
- Loss of Medicaid participation
- Fines for violation of state and federal regulations
- Restitution to victims and victims’ families
For the safety of your loved one and others in a nursing home or assisted-living facility, you should contact an attorney immediately if you suspect abuse or neglect.
If you have a family member who suffers from Alzheimer’s disease and you believe he or she may be a victim of abuse by caregivers, contact our lawyers in Kansas City, MO for a free case evaluation.