Paying Attention For Signs of Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect During COVID-19
COVID-19 is affecting all areas of the economy. From the airline industry to long-term care facilities, no types of business seem to be immune. And this may have an effect on the quality of care that your loved one is receiving. According to Senior Housing News, analysts are predicting a one to five percent cut in margins for nursing homes until a vaccine for coronavirus is made public. This, on top of nursing home employees who may be facing additional stress outside of work from coronavirus concerns, could lead to an increased risk of abuse and neglect. If you have a loved one in a nursing home, now is the time to pay close attention to the level of care they are receiving.
Financial Exploitation
USA Today published an investigative article about the increased costs being billed to nursing home residents during COVID-19. At least eight states have received complaints about unfair billing practices during the pandemic. Several loved ones of nursing home residents were suspicious when line items on the monthly bill were for $1,200, which is the amount each American received as part of the government stimulus package.
Abuse Due To Outside Stresses on Caregivers
When caregivers become chronically stressed, it makes it difficult for them to show up and properly attend to someone else’s needs. If a caregiver at a nursing home is experiencing stress outside of work, such as a loved one dying, a spouse losing their job, or children home from school, there is an increased potential that they will become less patient and even abusive. Ideally, the nursing home checks in with their staff to ensure they are in a place of good mental health. While these may be the causes of an increase in abuse, they are not excuses for such behavior.
Contact a Nursing Home Abuse Attorney If You Suspect Mistreatment Due to the Pandemic
If you suspect abuse, neglect, or financial exploitation during the pandemic, it is worth investigating further. Both the nursing home facilities and the staff are under more pressure and are facing financial burdens. The Tampa nursing home abuse attorney at Kohn Law can help you determine whether your loved one is getting proper care and take legal action if they are not. Contact our offices at 813-428-8504 to schedule a free consultation today. The sooner you act, the sooner you can seek justice for your loved one.
Resources:
usatoday.com/story/news/investigations/2020/06/25/assisted-living-homes-passing-covid-19-costs-residents/3218380001/
seniorhousingnews.com/2020/07/06/senior-living-margins-squeezed-by-covid-19-providers-seek-long-term-solutions/
https://www.kohnlawcares.com/head-injuries-caused-by-nursing-home-abuse/
