How Does Verbal Abuse Occur in Florida Nursing Homes?
Families take great pains to ensure that their loved ones are placed in nursing homes or assisted living facilities that will provide them the highest level of care. They also expect that their loved one will be treated with the respect and dignity that they deserve.
While many people know what signs of medical malpractice, physical abuse, or neglect to look for when visiting their relatives, signs of verbal abuse can be much more difficult to detect. Psychological or emotional abuse can be every bit as damaging as physical abuse for an older adult. When a nursing home or assisted living facility resident is the victim of verbal abuse, they are often too ashamed to ask for help in dealing with the issue.
If you believe that your loved one has been the victim of verbal abuse at a nursing home or assisted living facility in Florida, an experienced nursing home abuse lawyer could help you put a stop to this harmful and degrading treatment. It is important to act quickly to make sure that those who are responsible are held accountable for their actions and that facility management and owners know that verbal abuse will not be tolerated.
Rosen & Ohr, P.A. has been helping injury victims for more than 50 years. Call us or fill out an online contact form to have our attorneys review your case and help you understand all of your legal options during a free consultation.
Examples of Verbal Abuse in Nursing Homes
A nursing home or assisted living facility staff member may verbally abuse a resident when their words denigrate, humiliate, or threaten a resident. Some of the most common forms of verbal abuse include:
- Humiliation
- Yelling
- Screaming
- Shouting
- Verbal threats
- Intimidation
- Insults
- Talking to a resident like a child
- Criticizing
- Mockery
Individual staff members may feel emboldened to act however they please when nursing homes and assisted living facilities do not perform adequate background checks or monitor the staff’s interactions with residents.
Signs of Verbal Abuse in a Nursing Home
Staff members usually commit verbal abuse out of the view of family members, so there are rarely firsthand accounts of such incidents. In some cases, residents may inform family members about objectionable things that staff members have said.
In many other cases, however, family members must rely on their instincts. People need to know what kinds of warning signs could indicate that a loved one is the victim of verbal abuse.
Some of the most common symptoms include withdrawal, depression, or issues with self-esteem. A resident who becomes increasingly agitated or fearful – particularly in the presence of a particular staff member – can also be strong signs of verbal abuse. Insomnia may result in some cases.
How Rosen & Ohr Can Help Victims of Nursing Home Abuse
Do you think that your loved one may be the victim of verbal abuse at a nursing home or assisted living facility in Florida? You need to get qualified legal help to hold the employees and the facility owners accountable for the treatment your loved one endured.
Rosen & Ohr, P.A. handles abuse cases involving nursing homes and assisted living facilities for clients in Hollywood, Ft. Lauderdale, and surrounding areas of Florida. You can have our personal injury law firm provide a thorough evaluation of your case as soon as you call us or contact us online to set up a free consultation.
