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Nov 17

Recognizing signs of elder abuse and neglect | Opinion – pennlive.com

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The COVID-19 pandemic has wreaked havoc throughout almost every aspect of life. The pandemic has presented numerous challenges for care-dependent adults and children and their families. To help stop the spread of coronavirus, nursing homes and similar facilities instituted complete lockdowns and eliminated visits with family and friends.

Family and friends are not able to have the same face-to-face interactions to ensure the well-being of their loved ones.

Experts have suggested there could be an increase in nursing home abuse and neglect as a result of the pandemic. Prior to COVID-19, research suggested only 1 in 24 cases were reported to the appropriate authorities. As facilities begin to reopen to the public and allow scheduled visits, it is important that family and friends look for signs of potential neglect and abuse such as unexplained bruises and wounds, cognitive deficits, and weight loss. If one suspects neglect or abuse, it is important to report it immediately to ensure the safety of loved ones and others in the same facility.

Unexplained injuries, like bruises, welts, open wounds, pressure ulcers/bed sores, or scarring, can be caused by neglect or abuse. Elder abuse and neglect does not just involve physical harms. It can, for example, include sexual abuse, emotional or psychological abuse, financial exploitation, and inappropriate use of physical or medicinal restraints. Unfortunately, these types of harms can occur even at the hands of a trusted, long-time caregiver.

Fighting Elder Abuse and Neglect

If you believe someone is in immediate danger, contact 911. If the issue does not require an emergent response, then contact a local social services program such as the Adult Protective Services offered by the Pennsylvania Department of Health (1-800-490-8505) or Pennsylvanias Long-Term Care Ombudsman (717-783-8975). In Pennsylvania, anyone can report suspected abuse anonymously so trained investigators can determine if there are real concerns. The few minutes that it takes to make a call may save a life or, in some cases, several lives.

Thankfully, there are both federal and state laws in place to protect patients and residents in nursing homes and similar facilities. These laws ensure that residents have the right to be free from verbal, sexual, physical and mental abuse and involuntary seclusion. Despite the existence of these laws, abuse and neglect still occur. That is why it is so important to be proactive when one suspects something wrong.

I have been asked to investigate and prosecute far too many unfortunate cases here in Pennsylvania and often wonder how things may have turned out differently for all involved had someone taken the time to report concerns. If something does not seem right to you, do not ignore that nudge. Report the concern and let professionals investigate the concerns.

Not every incident supports a private personal injury claim, but the whole point of reporting any concern is to allow professionals to determine how to best protect patients and prevent serious harm. It is better to allow trained investigators to confirm nothing is wrong than to wonder later how things may have turned out differently if concerns were not reported.

Ted Kennett is a personal injury attorney at KBG Injury Law, which has offices throughout central Pennsylvania.

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Recognizing signs of elder abuse and neglect | Opinion - pennlive.com

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