With age comes physical, emotional, and financial vulnerability. A decline in cognitive and physical ability makes seniors targets for abuse. There are laws against elder abuse — and if your loved one suffers nursing home abuse in Iowa, we can help.
With offices in downtown West Des Moines, the attorneys at Hope Law Firm offer compassionate, responsive legal support when personal injury occurs in a residential or nursing home setting, or if you suspect elder abuse. Contact us today to begin building your case.
Contact our Des Moines nursing home abuse attorneys in to discuss your case during a free consultation.
Recognizing Elder Abuse
Elder abuse is sometimes called a silent crime because its victims are
fearful — or unable — to make their injuries known. According
to the Iowa Elder Abuse Initiative, approximately one in nine seniors
in the United States reported being abused, exploited, or neglected in
2010. Elder abuse can trigger serious illness, cause injury, and lead to
wrongful death.
With the aging of the Baby Boom generation, the Administration on Aging
(AOA) estimates there will be more than 72 million Americans 65 years
or older by 2030 — double the number in 2000. Elder abuse occurs
to seniors of all backgrounds and is usually inflicted by caregivers or
other trusted persons.
Signs of Elder Abuse
Types of elder abuse include:
- Physical abuse: Malnutrition, poor hygiene, unkempt appearance, and development of pressure
sores are symptoms of nursing home abuse. In any residential setting,
sudden injury, marks, bruises, or complaints of sexual injury should be
taken seriously and immediately investigated. - Emotional abuse: Social or emotional withdrawal, especially in the presence of caregivers
can be a sign of emotional abuse. Growing distrust, anger, agitation,
and secrecy can be symptoms of abusive treatment taking place out of view
of relatives. - Financial abuse: Changes in banking arrangements, unpaid bills, and drained savings accounts
are serious signs of financial abuse of the elderly. Once victimized by
unscrupulous relatives or scam artists, seniors can find themselves impoverished for life.
While it is difficult placing an elderly family member in residential care,
it is more traumatic to suspect an abusive situation.
If your elderly loved one has suffered an injury, we look at factors that
contribute to nursing home abuse, including:
- Inadequate training or screening of staff
- Negligence
- Inappropriate staffing levels
- Over-medication or physical restraint used to confine patients
- Inappropriate or inattentive security
Iowa laws support the right of every senior to live with dignity and in
safety. If you suspect nursing home abuse, our law firm immediately can
help your family pursue compensation through legal action for the losses
and injury suffered. We can help — we can give you hope.
Contact us now to get started. We offer evening and weekend appointments and will come to you if you cannot travel.
Hope Law Firm - Des Moines Office
Address: 666 Walnut St Suite 2220
Des Moines, IA 50309
Phone: (712) 424-4673