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Gerard G. Bernhardt, Jr. & Associates., P. C.
One Liberty Place
1650 Market Street,Suite 5500,
Philadelphia, PA 19103
Phone: (215) 854-0073 Fax: (215) 854-0083

Elder Abuse, Nursing Home Abuse, Nursing Home Neglect - Philadelphia

Many elderly are placed in nursing homes because the family cannot provide the attention and care that he or she needs. When a loved one is put under a nursing home’s care, the family places trust in the nursing home to provide adequate attention and support. But in cases of nursing home abuse and nursing home neglect, loved ones are physically and emotionally abused, placing their health - and their lives - at risk.

 

Nursing home abuse lawyer Gerard Bernhardt is dedicated to helping victims of elder abuse in Philadelphia and surrounding areas. Learn more about nursing home abuse and nursing home neglect below.

 

 

What is Nursing Home Abuse?

Nursing home abuse, also known as elder abuse, is becoming an epidemic, not just here in Philadelphia, but across the entire United States.

 

Nursing home abuse, or elder abuse, means that the caretaker intentionally caused pain or harm to the elder. Nursing home abuse includes:

 

    • Physical abuse: This form of elder abuse includes hitting, shoving, slapping, scratching,

      force-feeding, using unreasonable constraints, and depriving the resident of food or

      water.
    • Psychological or emotional abuse: This form of elder abuse includes ignoring, ridiculing,

      cursing, berating, or threatening a resident.
    • Sexual abuse: This form of elder abuse includes improper touching or non-consensual

      sexual contact.
    • Financial abuse: This form of elder abuse includes illegally taking, misusing, or

      concealing funds, assets, or property.

 

If you suspect that your loved one has been the victim of nursing home abuse in Philadelphia or surrounding areas, contact nursing home abuse lawyer Gerard Bernhardt today.

 

 

What Is Nursing Home Neglect?

Nursing home neglect is the failure to provide care, such as food, shelter, and health care, resulting in harm to the resident.

 

Nursing home neglect includes, but is not limited to:

 

    • Failure to assist in personal hygiene
    • Failure to provide adequate food, clothing, or shelter
    • Failure to provide adequate medical care
    • Failure to prevent harm from health or safety hazards
    • Failure to prevent malnutrition
    • Failure to respond to cries for help

 

If you suspect that your loved one has been the victim of nursing home neglect in Philadelphia or surrounding areas, contact our nursing home abuse lawyer today.

 

 

What are the Signs of Nursing Home Abuse and Nursing Home Neglect?

There are numerous warning signs that could indicate nursing home abuse or nursing home neglect, including:

 

    • Bruises, pressure sores or bedsores, abrasions, broken bones, and burns
    • Withdrawal from normal activities, depression, isolation, unusual behavior, or a sudden

      change in alertness
    • Poor hygiene, unusual weight loss, or dehydration
    • Insulting, threatening, or ignoring family and friends
    • Heavy medication or sedation
    • Sudden changes in financial situations

 

If you have witnessed these signs of elder abuse, either with your own loved one or another resident, please do not hesitate to contact Gerard G. Bernhardt, Jr. & Associates immediately. Our nursing home abuse lawyer represents victims of elder abuse in Philadelphia and surrounding areas.

 

 

What Should I Do If I Suspect Nursing Home Abuse or Neglect?

Many victims of nursing home abuse and nursing home neglect suffer in silence. It is important to recognize the potential signs of elder abuse and report them immediately. If you feel that there is an immediate, life-threatening danger, you should call the police. If the danger is not immediate, you can contact your state ombudsman or the Department of Health to report your suspicions of nursing home abuse and nursing home neglect.

 

Once you have reported the nursing home abuse or nursing home neglect, you should contact our nursing home abuse lawyer in Philadelphia so he can advise you of your rights and ensure you take the necessary steps when filing a claim.