Nursing Home Abuse of Alzheimer's Patients

Serving Phoenix, Scottsdale, Mesa and all of Arizona

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, you should contact the Arizona nursing home abuse attorneys at Cullan & Cullan In cases relating to nursing home abuse and neglect, there are advantages of having lawyers who are also doctors.

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: Which 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: Which 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 a nursing home abuse attorney immediately if you suspect abuse or neglect.

If you have a family who suffers from Alzheimer's and you believe he or she may be a victim of abuse by caregivers, please contact our experienced Arizona nursing home abuse lawyers at (602) 397-7600 for a free case evaluation.