Our nation’s elderly population deserves to age with dignity, whether they pass the years in their own homes or a long-term care facility. But the reality is, many older adults face abuse or neglect at the hands of family members or nursing home staff members.
If you suspect elder abuse but aren’t sure what to do next, David Taylor Law can help keep your loved one safe. Our experienced attorneys are well-acquainted with nursing home abuse laws in South Carolina and can help you take the steps necessary to report abuse.
Types of Elder Abuse
There are various types of elder abuse that put our community’s most vulnerable at risk. Whether they’re still living at home or reside in a South Carolina nursing home, older people are at risk for the following:
- Physical abuse: Includes any type of bodily harm or impairment, ranging from minor cuts and bruises to more serious injuries or death
- Emotional/Psychological abuse: May be evidenced by a fear of a caregiver, such as a nursing facility staff member or a specific family member
- Neglect: Occurs when caregivers fail to provide proper care to the older person
- Sexual abuse: Refers to any form of unwanted sexual contact
- Financial exploitation: Involves manipulation or coercion (most often by family members) that negatively impacts an older person’s financial situation
Types of Elder Neglect
Elder neglect is the most common form of elder abuse – and the unfortunate result of a caregiver’s failure to provide for an older person’s needs. Neglect can be intentional, but can also occur when nursing homes and long-term care facilities are understaffed.
Victims of elder neglect may experience the following:
- Dehydration
- Malnutrition
- Bedsores
- Unclean living conditions
- Mismanaged medications
Who Is Responsible For Reporting Elder Abuse?
It’s a sad fact that elder abuse is often underreported. Some victims’ physical or cognitive limitations prevent them from speaking up, while others fear retaliation or the inherent shame associated with being taken advantage of. Some elderly people even worry about getting their abuser in trouble or getting placed in a nursing facility.
Despite these challenges, legislation passed in recent years ensures that cases of elder abuse, neglect and exploitation are taken seriously. While any person involved in an elderly person’s care can report suspected elder abuse, certain mandated reporters are required by law to speak up. Mandatory reporters include healthcare professionals, such as nurses and doctors.
What to Do If You Suspect Elder Abuse
Your loved one deserves justice, but you don’t have to fight for it alone. Our law firm is a passionate advocate for our community’s most vulnerable, and we’re here to help – each step of the way.
If you suspect that a loved one is experiencing abuse or neglect while living in a nursing home, David Taylor Law can help you with the following:
- Prioritize safety first.
Ensure the nursing home resident is not in immediate danger and remove them from the facility if necessary.
- Talk to your loved one about the suspected abuse.
Ask questions and try to learn more about the situation, keeping in mind that your loved one may be too frightened, confused or uncomfortable to reveal the truth.
- Schedule a meeting with the nursing home’s management.
Discuss your concerns with the administration and file a complaint if you don’t feel they were addressed adequately.
- Be sure to carefully document everything.
Take photos of injuries and retain all medical records or relevant documents. - Follow up to ensure corrective measures have been implemented.
Remain an active participant in your loved one’s care and make sure that the nursing facility has taken the promised steps to correct the situation.
Adult Protective Services is committed to the safety and wellbeing of the elderly, and their hotline is always open to receive reports of senior abuse. To file a report or learn more, call (843) 620-0065.
Putting an End to Myrtle Beach Nursing Home Abuse
Together we can fight for justice, united in our commitment to end senior abuse once and for all. If you suspect elder or nursing home abuse in South Carolina or if your loved one was a victim of wrongful death, call David Taylor Law today.
Our team is ready to learn more about your case – and to defend our community’s most vulnerable residents. Schedule your free consultation today.