Dementia Link to Abuse

According to the Alzheimer Association’s 2011 facts and figures report, nearly five million Americans over the age of 65 suffer from Alzheimer’s. Approximately 75 percent of people with Alzheimer’s will be placed in a nursing home by the age of 80.

Having a loved one with Alzheimer’s can be terribly difficult and often requires the assistance of trained medical professionals. While it is never an easy decision, placing a loved one with Alzheimer’s into a care facility is often in the best interest of both them and your family. Sadly, dementia and Alzheimer’s disease are linked to physical abuse in nursing homes, putting your loved one at an increased risk for nursing home abuse and neglect.

What You Can Do

The first thing you can do to protect your loved one is to carefully select a nursing home with a highly trained staff in caring for patients with dementia. Taking time to visit prospective nursing homes, interview staff and management, and see other residents firsthand can give you a good indication of the care you can expect your loved one to receive.

Even with your best efforts, it is not always possible to protect your loved one from nursing home abuse and neglect. If you notice any of the signs of abuse, contacting the lawyers who are doctors at Cullan & Cullan can help ensure these injustices are put to a stop and your loved one remains safe and comfortable.

If you suspect your loved one is suffering abuse or neglect in their Arizona nursing home, please contact Cullan & Cullan to schedule a free case evaluation today.