There are many scenarios in which individuals may come to suspect the abuse of an elder adult. Perhaps one of the children of an older adult witnesses a sibling mistreating them in their own home. Maybe family members visit someone living in a nursing home, only to witness staff members engaging in verbal or physical abuse. Vulnerable older adults may… The post What happens when you report elder abuse? first appeared on Stebner Gertler & Guadagni ..read more

Despite widespread awareness of the problem, nursing home neglect and abuse continue to harm vulnerable residents. Is your family member at risk? Understanding who may face a higher risk can help you take preventive measures to ensure your own care or that of a loved one. It may also guide you in seeking a legal remedy for the facility’s abuse… The post 3 long-term care residents at a high risk of neglect or abuse first appeared on Stebner Gertler & Guadagni ..read more

The majority of people in nursing homes are vulnerable. Nursing homes have a legal duty to provide a reasonable standard of care. For the most part, this is what happens.  However, there are occasions when nursing homes fall short of their duty of care. Abuse is a real problem in nursing home facilities and it’s important to recognize the signs… The post Steps to reporting nursing home abuse  first appeared on Stebner Gertler & Guadagni ..read more

Understaffing in nursing homes has become an alarming issue that affects the quality of care provided to elderly residents. When nursing facilities fail to maintain adequate staff, residents are at higher risk of neglect and even abuse.  Here’s a closer look at how understaffing contributes to these risks and why it’s a concern for families and communities. Increased risk of… The post Is understaffing at a nursing home a prequel to abuse? first appeared on Stebner Gertler & Guadagni ..read more

People who go into memory care units have cognitive challenges that require more care than traditional long-term care facilities can provide. This puts them at risk of challenges with their care.  Because memory care residents don’t always have their wits about them, there’s a chance that they may be taken advantage of. This is why it’s critical for anyone who… The post Memory care unit residents face great risks first appeared on Stebner Gertler & Guadagni ..read more

Long-term care home residents, especially the elderly, are mostly dependent on the professionalism and goodwill of the people who provide their daily care. Unfortunately, not all caregivers are adequately trained, empathetic or committed to the well-being of their residents. As a result, elderly nursing home residents may find themselves on the receiving end of psychological abuse, further diminishing their mental… The post Understanding psychological abuse of the elderly in nursing homes first appeared on Stebner Gertler & Guadagni ..read more

There is a strong association between advanced age and increased fall risk. Older adults are more likely than younger people to lose their balance and fall. When they fall, they are also at elevated risk of serious injuries including broken bones. For many families, a loved one falling while at home alone might be the reason they end up living… The post When are falls a possible sign of mistreatment in nursing homes? first appeared on Stebner Gertler & Guadagni ..read more

Elder abuse comes in many forms. Some people who live with or care for older adults may engage in physical or verbal abuse of those vulnerable people. Others may target older adults for financial abuse. They take advantage of the loneliness that may come with advanced age or the decline in cognitive function that older adults may experience to trick… The post Can financial institutions protect older adults from fraud? first appeared on Stebner Gertler & Guadagni ..read more

When a loved one becomes a resident of a nursing facility, families generally trust that they will be well-cared for and their belongings safeguarded. Unfortunately, in some cases, valuables go missing, raising concerns about theft, neglect and/or mismanagement within the facility at issue. Missing valuables can be a sign of a more significant concern, such as nursing home abuse or… The post Have a loved one’s valuables gone missing? first appeared on Stebner Gertler & Guadagni ..read more

Identity theft has proved to be a growing concern in the Digital Age. For many reasons, nursing home residents are particularly vulnerable to this form of unlawful mistreatment.  For starters, older adults often have substantial savings, excellent credit and a lifetime of accumulated assets, making them attractive targets for identity thieves. Additionally, many nursing home residents may be less vigilant… The post Spotting identity theft of nursing home residents first appeared on Stebner Gertler & Guadagni ..read more