Kansas City Nursing Home Abuse Attorneys

Often, there are numerous blatant and subtle signs of nursing home abuse and neglect. As a family member or loved one of an elderly nursing home resident, it is critical that you are aware of them so that you can take immediate action at the first sign of abuse or neglect.

When looking for signs of nursing home abuse or neglect, it is important to note that it may take several forms. Physical abuse and neglect are the most commonly thought of types of nursing home abuse, but it can also take the form of sexual abuse or assault, emotional or mental abuse, and financial abuse or exploitation.

Some of the common physical signs of abuse and neglect include:

• Malnutrition
• Dehydration
• Falls
• Bedsores
• Unexplained injuries, such as bruises or broken bones
• Soiled or dirty clothing/bedsheets
• Medication errors
• Physical or chemical restraint
• Untreated injuries or illnesses
• Injuries to the genitals, buttocks, or breasts
• Unexplained STIs

Meanwhile, common non-physical signs of abuse and neglect include:

• Unexplained changes in mood or behavior
• Frequent crying
• Irritation, anger, or “lashing out”
• Apparent fear, particularly in the presence of staff
• Changes in sleeping patterns
• Anxiety or depression
• Complaints about the level of care or certain caregivers
• Unusual withdrawals from bank accounts
• Forged signatures or checks
• Changes to a financial or healthcare plan, such as a will, trust, or power of attorney

If you notice these or other signs that something is not right, do not hesitate to report the suspected abuse or neglect to the proper authorities.

There are several ways to report suspected elder abuse in the state of Missouri. First, if you believe that anyone is in imminent and immediate serious danger, call 911. In all other cases, you can report abuse to the nursing home administrator, a doctor or healthcare provider, or another authority at the facility. These individuals are mandated reporters, meaning they are required by law to report abuse to the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS).

You may also report suspected abuse directly to the DHSS yourself. You may file a report of non-emergency adult abuse on the DHSS’s website here, or you can call the Adult Abuse and Neglect Hotline at (800) 392-0210. Online reporting is available 24/7, but be aware that intake staff only monitors the system during the hours of 7 a.m. to 12 a.m. (midnight). Additionally, the hotline hours are also 7 a.m. to midnight, 365 days a year.

Once you have ensured that you or your loved one is safe, the next step is contacting an experienced nursing home abuse attorney who can help you seek justice. Often, nursing home abuse and neglect leads to serious injuries and physical/mental health problems, requiring ongoing medical treatment and care and causing victims immense pain and suffering. In the most tragic of cases, victims die as a result of the harm they have endured. This can leave victims and their families facing severe hardships and unexpected financial challenges. At Shamberg, Johnson & Bergman, Chtd., we believe that you should not have to simply deal with these consequences on your own.

Our Kansas City nursing home abuse attorneys are prepared to fight back against negligent caregivers and facilities that fail to provide a proper standard of care to their residents. We employ a team-based approach in order to provide every one of our clients with the full scope of our experience, resources, and skill.