Nursing Home Residents with Dementia or Alzheimer’s Disease Susceptible to Neglect, Abuse

Nursing home residents who suffer from dementia or Alzheimer's disease are especially vulnerable to neglect and abuse, and it is critical for their loved ones to watch for signs of inadequate care.

The Phoenix nursing home abuse attorneys at Cullan & Cullan are proud to serve as advocates for nursing home abuse victims and their families. Many of our lawyers are also medical doctors, and we have a comprehensive understanding of the far-reaching effects of neglect and abuse on nursing home residents who suffer from health complications. If you believe a family member is a victim of neglect or abuse in an Arizona nursing home, please call us at (602) 397-7600 for your free consultation with one of our knowledgeable attorneys.

Abuse of Dementia, Alzheimer's Patients

Nursing home residents with dementia or Alzheimer's disease are easy targets for negligent care or outright abuse because they are often unable to effectively communicate.

Those with dementia may comprehend that inappropriate behavior has occurred, but may also worry that they will not be believed; often, they will withdraw from communicating with others—including family members. Alzheimer's patients may not even understand that they are victims of neglect or abuse.

Even if they are temporarily aware of improper actions, residents with dementia or Alzheimer's may not have the cognitive ability to recall it later.

Caring for Residents with Dementia, Alzheimer's

Caring for nursing home residents with dementia or Alzheimer's disease is a challenge; Alzheimer's patients, in particular, require constant monitoring and can pose a danger to both themselves and others around them.

The challenge of providing proper care to those with Alzheimer's disease and dementia is expected to intensify. According to the Alzheimer's Association, the number of Americans with Alzheimer's or dementia will likely increase at least 40 percent by the year 2025.

Many nursing homes that care for those with dementia or Alzheimer's are currently understaffed or have inadequately trained staff despite the fact that these patients have highly specific needs and demand significant attention. This further increases the risk of harm to those who are among the most vulnerable nursing home residents.

If you suspect a loved one is a victim of nursing home neglect or abuse, please contact Cullan & Cullan, today. Our experienced attorneys represent nursing home abuse victims from Phoenix, Mesa, Scottsdale and throughout Arizona.