What are the causes of elder abuse in Las Vegas care facilities?
As the leading elder abuse law firm in Las Vegas, we understand how painful it can be to know that your loved ones are being abused or neglected in care facilities. The sad truth is that elder abuse has been on the rise in recent years in Las Vegas and across the United States. Families are often left feeling helpless when their loved ones become victims, but we are here to help and provide justice. In this article, we will explore the main causes of elder abuse in Las Vegas care facilities. So, what are the causes of elder abuse in Las Vegas care facilities?
Inadequate Staff Training
Caregivers in nursing homes and assisted living facilities are required to undergo training on how to provide proper care to the elderly. However, when care facilities are understaffed, staff members are likely to be overwhelmed and overworked, limiting their ability to provide adequate care. This can lead to unintentional neglect, as well as physical and emotional abuse. Ongoing training for staff members should be mandatory to ensure they are aware of the most current laws, guidelines, policies, and procedures to prevent elder abuse.
Financial Exploitation
Older adults are financially vulnerable, and caretakers or family members may take advantage of this vulnerability to exploit them financially. This financial exploitation often occurs when family caregivers or staff members use the elderly’s financial resources for their own personal gain by stealing, manipulating, or forcing the elderly to sign legal documents without their consent. Elder abuse laws in Nevada include specific clauses that prohibit any person from depriving an elderly person of their property or assets intentionally, without their knowledge or approval.
Negligence
Neglect is a form of elder abuse that can occur when a care facility fails to provide adequate care for an elderly person. Neglectful caregivers may fail to provide nourishing meals, administer required medications, clean the patient, and provide sufficiently clean environments for elderly residents. Overlooking these basic necessities can result in dehydration, malnutrition, infections, falls, and other health issues. Nevada guidelines require that care facilities provide adequate facilities, equipment, and qualified personnel to meet each resident’s needs.
Psychological Abuse
Psychological abuse is a form of elder abuse that is not always visible. It can occur when a caregiver threatens, intimidates, humiliates, or belittles an elderly resident. Staff members who engage in psychological abuse may act in demeaning ways or refuse to interact with the patient. The elderly are prone to feeling isolated in care facilities, and verbal, emotional, and psychological abuse can result in profound psychological pain and feelings of loneliness. The state of Nevada has a specific clause outlining that anyone who intentionally causes mental or emotional distress on elderly individuals can be accused of elder abuse.
Understaffing
Understaffing in care facilities is a serious problem that has been linked to elder abuse. When care facilities are understaffed, staff members may feel overwhelmed, leading to inadequate care, neglect, or unintentional abuse. Inadequate staffing can also lead to rushed care and missed details that can cause confusion, anxiety, and fear for elderly residents. Safety standards should be reviewed, and state regulations concerning the acceptable staff-to-resident ratio are enforced by the State of Nevada to protect vulnerable elderly individuals from abuse and neglect.
What are the causes of elder abuse in Las Vegas care facilities?
Elder abuse in Las Vegas care facilities is a cruel reality that needs our attention and a collective effort to ensure justice. With an understanding of the causes of elder abuse, caregivers, families, and seniors can join hands to prevent and report any abuse. J. Cogburn Law is committed to protecting the elderly population and offering legal assistance to families who believe their loved ones have become victims of elder abuse. We recommend that families remain vigilant at all times, periodically visit their loved ones to check for signs of abuse, and speak up when they notice something suspicious. By working together, we can protect our elderly citizens and ensure that they receive the respect and care they deserve.