Atlanta Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers

Abuse and Neglect in Georgia Nursing Homes

Nursing home abuse in Atlanta is a serious issue. Yet, it is estimated that only 1 in 6 cases of elder abuse is reported nationwide. Family members who have loved ones in a nursing home may find it difficult to face the possibility that someone they care about is being exploited, but unless they educate themselves on the signs of nursing home abuse and speak up, these cases will continue to go unreported and unresolved.

If you believe your loved one has been subjected to Atlanta nursing home abuse or neglect, contact us for a consultation. We will answer any questions you have and evaluate the facts of your case to help you determine what the best course of action is. To speak with an experienced Atlanta nursing home abuse attorney today, fill out our simple, free case evaluation form.

Causes of Atlanta Nursing Home Abuse

Georgia is a hotbed for nursing home abuse due to the vast number of elders on Medicaid and the state’s position as having one of the lowest rates of Medicaid reimbursement. This leaves nursing homes more likely to cut corners to save costs. Atlanta nursing home abuse can occur due to a facility’s lack of resources or improper screening of staff before hire. While outright physical and sexual abuse are the most noticeable and discussed types of nursing home abuse in Atlanta, acts of neglect and emotional abuse can lead to serious consequences as well.

Statistics from the National Center on Elder Abuse show that ¼ of the nursing home attendants that are convicted of abuse have a previous criminal record. This can most likely be attributed to the fact that many states do not require that long-term care facilities screen prospective employees before hiring them.

Additionally, the lack of funding to nursing homes in Atlanta can leave them understaffed. The treatment of multiple elders with little-to-no ability to take care of themselves can be intensely stressful; if the burden is too great, caretakers may, even against their own character, take it out on patients. Nursing home neglect in Atlanta is also a symptom of understaffing and stress.

Atlanta Nursing Home Abuse Laws

In Atlanta, long-term care facilities are regulated by the Georgia Department of Human Resources, which also maintains the inspection records for each. There is something called the Georgia Bill of Rights for Residents of Long Term Care Facilities that provides detailed and thorough protections to residents of nursing home facilities. An experienced Atlanta nursing home abuse lawyer knows these documents well enough to determine when these rights have been violated, and what course of action is best to take.

Nursing home abuse and neglect is vastly underreported. This is the unfortunate byproduct of fear on the part of patients and ageism in general. Many people may believe a victim of nursing home abuse is being overly dramatic or acting senile. It is important that a patient’s loved ones keep on the lookout for signs of nursing home abuse and neglect. If any is suspected, contact the experienced Atlanta nursing home abuse and neglect attorneys at Morgan & Morgan for a free case evaluation.