Nursing Home Neglect and Abuse Lawyer
One of the most difficult decisions any family may face is deciding whether to place a loved one in a long-term care facility. Oftentimes, the level of care an aging loved one requires becomes more extensive than family caregivers can provide. Even so, this overwhelming and confusing process does not become any easier. Naturally, families hope to choose a facility that will provide only the best care for their loved ones. Families should expect the facility they choose will administer the highest standard of care.
At a minimum, the facility should prioritize the health, safety, and security of their patients, and the staff should treat every resident with compassion and respect. They also need to monitor clients for illnesses and seek treatment for any infectious diseases before they spread.
Unfortunately, not all long-term care facilities maintain the minimum level of care that family members rightfully expect. Every year, hundreds of care facilities fail to meet the basic standard of care required of long-term care facilities. When they do, the Hughey Law Firm stands ready to help you and your loved one recover compensation for all of the negligence and abuse. Meanwhile, family members should strive to be fully informed when choosing a facility, so that they can feel confident in their decision.
Below, we take a closer look at Windsor Manor Nursing Home, located at 5583 Summerton Highway Manning, SC 29102.
About Windsor Manor
Windsor Manor is a relatively small non-profit long-term care facility located on U.S. Route 15 between Paxville and Summerton. The home offers 64 beds and typically houses around 50 residents. Although previous health inspections have detected violations, the most recent inspection, on May 15, 2019, reported no deficiencies. The facility’s commitment to provide a high standard of care is further evidenced by a lack of fines imposed against Windsor Manor in the past three years. As a care facility certified by Medicare and Medicaid, Windsor Manor is required to regularly report to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).
Concerns and issues arose in two inspections. The 2018 health inspection showed deficiencies in food storage and preparation, as well as issues regarding medication control. The 2017 report shows similar concerns about medication management.
A Nationwide Problem
Across the nation, providing adequate senior care has become increasingly problematic. The National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA) suggests that approximately1.4 million adults live in some sort of long-term care facility. Sadly, the NCEA reports that approximately 10 percent of seniors have experienced some form of abuse or neglect. Elders may be exposed to physical abuse, psychological or verbal abuse, sexual abuse, financial exploitation, or neglect.
Indeed, instances of abuse are prevalent among elders living in assisted-care facilities. The NCEA reports there were nearly 200,000 complaints filed against nursing homes in a one year period. However, it is not uncommon for those receiving at-home care to also become victims of abuse and neglect. Recent statistics also show that approximately 15 percent of elder abuse perpetrators are at-home caregivers.
Recognizing Signs of Elder Abuse
Reviewing state statistics and inspection reports can help make the process of choosing a long-term care facility easier. However, elder abuse is often unpredictable and underreported. While state agencies strive to ensure the safety of facility residents, numbers suggest that inspection reports miss at least one deficiency 70 percent of the time. In addition, underreporting of instances of abuse compounds discrepancies in available data. Victims often fail to report instances of abuse, either because they are unable or afraid to do so. It is vitally important for family members to be aware of potential signs of abuse. Common signs of elder abuse include:
Physical Signs of Abuse
While physical abuse may be easier to identify than other forms of abuse, the United States Department of Justice reports that only 1.6 percent of seniors experience physical abuse. However, psychological abuse and neglect can exhibit physical symptoms as well.
Physical symptoms of abuse commonly include:
- Bruising or unusual marks
- Bedsores
- Unexplained doctor visits
- A significant number of infections
- Rapid weight loss
- Sudden sensitivity to touch
- Broken bones
Emotional Abuse
Signs of emotional abuse are typically harder to recognize. Oftentimes, victims will not exhibit physical symptoms, but rather changes in behavior are signs of emotional abuse. It is important to note any changes in your loved one’s behavior or their ability to regulate their emotions.
Common signs of emotional abuse include:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Fear
- Withdrawal
- Noticeable discomfort around certain individuals
- Jumpiness
Financial Abuse
Statistically, financial abuse or fraud is the most common type of elder abuse. Older adults may choose to leave the care of their finances with another individual or may not realize that money is missing.
Forms of financial abuse may include:
- Money mismanagement
- Forged checks
- Theft
- Fraud
What to Do if You Suspect Nursing Home Abuse
If you suspect instances of abuse, it is important to take action right away. Ensuring your loved one’s safety is the number one priority. Steps you should take include:
- Remove your loved one from the facility immediately. You should not feel that you must wait until you have evidence of abuse or the signs of abuse worsen to take action. If you suspect abuse, remove your loved one from the facility and find an alternative temporary arrangement.
- Report the abuse. You do not need to have proof of the abuse to make a report. Parties reporting abuse also have the right to remain anonymous. The best way to make a report is to contact your State or Regional Long Term Care Ombudsman Program. The number for your local facility can be found here.
- Contact an attorney. Discovering abuse can be heartbreaking. The impacts of abuse do not affect the victim, but also their families and loved ones. Perpetrators of abuse may be subject to criminal and civil litigation. Personal injury attorneys regularly fight for the rights of injured victims to seek compensation for their injuries. An experienced attorney can ensure your rights are protected and explain the claims process.
Call Our Nursing Home Lawyers Now
At Hughey Law Firm, we believe each of our clients deserves justice. Our team strives to do what’s right for our clients. We understand that no amount of money can erase the pain of the trauma associated with abuse. However, seeking financial compensation can assist families in caring for their loved ones, including against Windsor Manor.
We are committed to treating each case we take on with care and compassion. During this emotional time, it is important to surround yourself with people you trust. If you believe your loved one is the victim of nursing home abuse, contact Hughey Law Firm or (843) 881-8644 for a free consultation today.
Hughey Law Firm LLC
1311 Chuck Dawley Blvd. | Suite 201
Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464
Phone: 843-881-8644
Nursing Home Neglect and Abuse Lawyer
One of the most difficult decisions any family may face is deciding whether to place a loved one in a long-term care facility. Oftentimes, the level of care an aging loved one requires becomes more extensive than family caregivers can provide. Even so, this overwhelming and confusing process does not become any easier. Naturally, families hope to choose a facility that will provide only the best care for their loved ones. Families should expect the facility they choose will administer the highest standard of care.
At a minimum, the facility should prioritize the health, safety, and security of their patients, and the staff should treat every resident with compassion and respect. They also need to monitor clients for illnesses and seek treatment for any infectious diseases before they spread.
Unfortunately, not all long-term care facilities maintain the minimum level of care that family members rightfully expect. Every year, hundreds of care facilities fail to meet the basic standard of care required of long-term care facilities. When they do, the Hughey Law Firm stands ready to help you and your loved one recover compensation for all of the negligence and abuse. Meanwhile, family members should strive to be fully informed when choosing a facility, so that they can feel confident in their decision.
Below, we take a closer look at Windsor Manor Nursing Home, located at 5583 Summerton Highway Manning, SC 29102.
About Windsor Manor
Windsor Manor is a relatively small non-profit long-term care facility located on U.S. Route 15 between Paxville and Summerton. The home offers 64 beds and typically houses around 50 residents. Although previous health inspections have detected violations, the most recent inspection, on May 15, 2019, reported no deficiencies. The facility’s commitment to provide a high standard of care is further evidenced by a lack of fines imposed against Windsor Manor in the past three years. As a care facility certified by Medicare and Medicaid, Windsor Manor is required to regularly report to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).
Concerns and issues arose in two inspections. The 2018 health inspection showed deficiencies in food storage and preparation, as well as issues regarding medication control. The 2017 report shows similar concerns about medication management.
A Nationwide Problem
Across the nation, providing adequate senior care has become increasingly problematic. The National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA) suggests that approximately1.4 million adults live in some sort of long-term care facility. Sadly, the NCEA reports that approximately 10 percent of seniors have experienced some form of abuse or neglect. Elders may be exposed to physical abuse, psychological or verbal abuse, sexual abuse, financial exploitation, or neglect.
Indeed, instances of abuse are prevalent among elders living in assisted-care facilities. The NCEA reports there were nearly 200,000 complaints filed against nursing homes in a one year period. However, it is not uncommon for those receiving at-home care to also become victims of abuse and neglect. Recent statistics also show that approximately 15 percent of elder abuse perpetrators are at-home caregivers.
Recognizing Signs of Elder Abuse
Reviewing state statistics and inspection reports can help make the process of choosing a long-term care facility easier. However, elder abuse is often unpredictable and underreported. While state agencies strive to ensure the safety of facility residents, numbers suggest that inspection reports miss at least one deficiency 70 percent of the time. In addition, underreporting of instances of abuse compounds discrepancies in available data. Victims often fail to report instances of abuse, either because they are unable or afraid to do so. It is vitally important for family members to be aware of potential signs of abuse. Common signs of elder abuse include:
Physical Signs of Abuse
While physical abuse may be easier to identify than other forms of abuse, the United States Department of Justice reports that only 1.6 percent of seniors experience physical abuse. However, psychological abuse and neglect can exhibit physical symptoms as well.
Physical symptoms of abuse commonly include:
- Bruising or unusual marks
- Bedsores
- Unexplained doctor visits
- A significant number of infections
- Rapid weight loss
- Sudden sensitivity to touch
- Broken bones
Emotional Abuse
Signs of emotional abuse are typically harder to recognize. Oftentimes, victims will not exhibit physical symptoms, but rather changes in behavior are signs of emotional abuse. It is important to note any changes in your loved one’s behavior or their ability to regulate their emotions.
Common signs of emotional abuse include:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Fear
- Withdrawal
- Noticeable discomfort around certain individuals
- Jumpiness
Financial Abuse
Statistically, financial abuse or fraud is the most common type of elder abuse. Older adults may choose to leave the care of their finances with another individual or may not realize that money is missing.
Forms of financial abuse may include:
- Money mismanagement
- Forged checks
- Theft
- Fraud
What to Do if You Suspect Nursing Home Abuse
If you suspect instances of abuse, it is important to take action right away. Ensuring your loved one’s safety is the number one priority. Steps you should take include:
- Remove your loved one from the facility immediately. You should not feel that you must wait until you have evidence of abuse or the signs of abuse worsen to take action. If you suspect abuse, remove your loved one from the facility and find an alternative temporary arrangement.
- Report the abuse. You do not need to have proof of the abuse to make a report. Parties reporting abuse also have the right to remain anonymous. The best way to make a report is to contact your State or Regional Long Term Care Ombudsman Program. The number for your local facility can be found here.
- Contact an attorney. Discovering abuse can be heartbreaking. The impacts of abuse do not affect the victim, but also their families and loved ones. Perpetrators of abuse may be subject to criminal and civil litigation. Personal injury attorneys regularly fight for the rights of injured victims to seek compensation for their injuries. An experienced attorney can ensure your rights are protected and explain the claims process.
Call Our Nursing Home Lawyers Now
At Hughey Law Firm, we believe each of our clients deserves justice. Our team strives to do what’s right for our clients. We understand that no amount of money can erase the pain of the trauma associated with abuse. However, seeking financial compensation can assist families in caring for their loved ones, including against Windsor Manor.
We are committed to treating each case we take on with care and compassion. During this emotional time, it is important to surround yourself with people you trust. If you believe your loved one is the victim of nursing home abuse, contact Hughey Law Firm or (843) 881-8644 for a free consultation today.
Hughey Law Firm LLC
1311 Chuck Dawley Blvd. | Suite 201
Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464
Phone: 843-881-8644