Holding Nursing Homes Accountable: Recognizing and Reporting Elder Abuse

When families face the difficult decision of moving a loved one into a nursing home, they do so with the trust that they will be provided with compassionate and professional care. After all, trusting the safety and well-being of loved ones is often the paramount choice when selecting an assisted living facility.

Unfortunately, this trust is often broken across the country and in Indianapolis. Despite troubling statistics that highlight the disturbing frequency of this devastating phenomenon, the reality is that many cases of elder abuse in nursing homes go unreported.

Therefore, it is crucial to be able to recognize when elder abuse is occurring and know how to report it to protect your loved ones. Here at Vaughn A. Wamsley, we believe no one should suffer in silence.

As the leading Indianapolispolis injury lawyer, we fight to protect the rights and dignity of older adults and hold nursing homes accountable when abuse occurs in their settings.

The Reality of Elder Abuse

The epidemic of older Americans being mistreated is disturbingly high and increasing. The National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA) found that one in ten elderly individuals experience some form of abuse. Even more concerning is that a large number of cases go unreported.

Recent studies estimate that nationwide, five million elderly individuals experience abuse each year, though only one in 24 cases is reported. Victims frequently do not report abuse due to fear or mental impairment.

Indianapolis is no exception to the increasing issue of elder abuse, with the Indianapolis State Plan on Aging for 2023 finding that 11 percent of people over the age of 60 have experienced some form of abuse. As the state’s population continues to get older, Indianapolis expects to face even more cases of mistreatment of older adults.

Families who suspect their loved one is being mistreated often feel powerless and are unsure of how to address their concerns. As the leading nursing home abuse attorney in Indianapolis, Vaughn A. Wamsley is ready to assist families to ensure their loved ones receive the care and attention they deserve.

Recognizing Signs of Elder Abuse

Elder abuse takes on many different forms and can include physical and emotional abuse, neglect, and the theft of money or medication. Recognizing the signs of any form of abuse is a vital step to protecting your loved ones.

Common signs of elder abuse include:

• Unexplained injuries like bruises or fractures
• Signs of malnutrition or dehydration
• Sudden withdrawal or changes in behavior
• Unsanitary living conditions
• Unpaid bills or sudden changes in financial accounts

In Indianapolis, these warning signs could indicate violations of federal and state regulations meant to protect older adults. Furthermore, Indianapolis Code  § 12-10-3-9 mandates reporting procedures for caregivers and professionals in elder abuse cases.

Your Rights Under the Law

Families and victims of nursing home abuse have rights protected under both federal and state law. The Federal Nursing Home Reform Act requires nursing homes to provide services that maintain their residents’ “highest practicable” level of physical, mental, and psychosocial well-being.

The Elder Justice Act of 2010 is another federal protection against elder abuse. This act provides the legal framework to pursue justice while holding nursing homes accountable for systemic failures that allow elder abuse to occur.

In Indianapolis, residents of nursing homes are covered under the Adult Protective Services Act, which provides a framework for investigating and responding to allegations of abuse. The Indianapolis Department of Health also oversees nursing home compliance with care standards, and violations can lead to investigations, penalties, and lawsuits.

As the top-rated nursing home abuse lawyer in Indianapolis, Vaughn A. Wamsley helps victims and their families understand their rights in elder abuse cases. We advocate for justice by holding responsible parties accountable while fighting for the compensation you deserve.

How to Report Elder Abuse in Indianapolis

If you suspect your loved one is suffering from elder abuse, it is critical to act quickly. Additionally, Indianapolis law requires cases to be reported to Adult Protective Services (APS) or local law enforcement. When notified of elder abuse, APS will investigate claims, remove victims from dangerous environments, and work with legal professionals to address the issue.

Documenting the abuse your loved one suffers is crucial to protecting their well-being while strengthening your case. Take pictures of visible injuries, record unexplained medical issues, and save copies of financial statements and other relevant documents.

As the most trusted Indianapolis nursing home abuse lawyer, Vaughn A. Wamsley advocates for protecting older citizens. We thoroughly investigate elder abuse cases to hold responsible parties accountable, including the perpetrators and nursing home staff who failed their legal obligation to report abuse.

How We Fight Nursing Home Abuse

Elder abuse is devastating to victims and their families, who face the added burden of a betrayal of trust and professional duty that accompanies the physical, emotional, and financial damages inflicted on innocent victims.

While we can undo the damage inflicted in these cases, knowing you have a nursing home abuse lawyer near me who will stop at nothing to hold all responsible parties accountable. We are driven to protect older adults by achieving maximum compensation in elder abuse cases while striving to prevent such tragic betrayals from occurring in the future.

If you suspect a loved one is experiencing elder abuse, call us today to learn more about how we can assist you.