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Nursing Home Abuse

Many of us in South Carolina have a loved one in a nursing home or assisted-living facility.Elderly woman a victim of nursing home abuse.We want the best for them and often cannot provide the kind of care they need in the comfort of our homes. Many of them require constant monitoring, take numerous medications, and need assistance with even the most basic of human needs. Their care often falls on the professional staff of a nursing home.

Elder abuse at nursing homes is a widespread problem. For Columbia and Greenville senior citizens and people with disabilities, it happens all the time. Abuse and neglect in nursing homes can lead to serious injury and even death. An abused elder can suffer emotional, psychological, and physical pain and often feel alone and frightened.

What is Elder Abuse?

Elder abuse refers to intentional or neglectful acts by a caregiver or “trusted” individual that harm or can lead to harm in a vulnerable elder.

Types of elder abuse:Elderly man left alone as a result of nursing home abuse.

  • Physical
  • Sexual
  • Emotional
  • Psychological
  • Verbal

Types of elder neglect:

  • Refusal of Food and/or Water
  • Refusal of Clothing
  • Refusal of Medication
  • Refusal of Personal Hygiene
  • Refusal of Personal Comfort

Two other common forms of elder abuse in nursing homes are the exploitation of their finances and healthcare fraud.

If a loved one has been the victim of nursing home abuse or neglect, please seek the advice of a personal injury lawyer. They can make sure a full investigation is performed, look into the history of both the nursing home and the caregivers, as well as file claims for financial compensation.

A personal injury attorney can advise you in identifying warning signs and help put an end to your loved one’s abuse or neglect.

To report suspected elder abuse, neglect, or exploitation in Columbia, Greenville, Spartanburg, Myrtle Beach, and surrounding South Carolina areas:

For suspected elder mistreatment in long-term care facilities:
Inside Richland County – 803-734-9900
Outside Richland County – 800-868-9095

For suspected elder mistreatment in private or foster homes:
803-898-7318

For more information on filing a complaint of elder abuse visit SCDHEC – South Carolina’s Department of Health and Environmental Control.

Elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation resources:

NCEA – National Center on Elder Abuse

ADULT PROTECTIVE SERVICES – South Carolina Department of Social Services

AGING.SC – South Carolina Lieutenant Governor’s Office on Aging

HELPGUIDE – A non-profit health organization with detailed information on elder abuse.