Why Are LTC Patients With Dementia More Likely to Be Abused?

 Posted on December 31, 2024 in Nursing Home Injury and Abuse

Did you know that approximately 6.7 million Americans have Alzheimer’s disease? As much as we love them, it can be overwhelming to care for these elders ourselves. Many families choose to entrust their loved one’s care to nursing homes and other long-term care facilities. Unfortunately, almost half of dementia patients suffer from neglect or abuse in such settings.

While Illinois has several laws to protect elders from nursing home abuse and neglect, thousands of incidents are reported every quarter, with many more that go unreported. Proving that your parents with dementia are being abused in a nursing home is challenging, but an experienced Will County, IL medical malpractice attorney can help you navigate the process.

How Can Alzheimer’s and Other Forms of Dementia Affect Elders?

When you hear of these diseases, you probably think about memory loss. While progressive memory loss is one way the patient is affected, it is not the only way. Other common impairments include communication issues, mood swings, decreased cognitive functioning, and behavioral changes. As conditions worsen, these patients often need more help with their daily needs, including eating and bathing.

Why Are Dementia Patients at a Higher Risk for Neglect and Abuse?

Nursing home residents with dementia are extremely vulnerable because:

• They may not realize the care they are receiving is lacking or inappropriate due to cognitive deterioration.

• They may be unable to communicate clearly to object to the abuse or inform others about it.

• They might not be believed when they report abuse or neglect.

• Intensive demands on caregivers can be frustrating, making them lash out at dementia patients.

• They may be physically unable to protect themselves.

While some neglect is unintentional, other neglect and abuse is willful. A dementia patient’s vulnerability can make her the ideal prey.

What Kinds of Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect Happen to Dementia Patients?

The list of potential forms of neglect and abuse is long. Dementia patients can suffer from financial, sexual, physical, verbal, and emotional abuse. Caregivers may restrain these patients unnecessarily rather than monitor them closely, and malnutrition and dehydration are also common.

Any type of substandard care can be heartbreaking for family members. When the patient suffers harm from abuse or neglect, you may have grounds for a personal injury claim.

Why Should I Call a Lawyer for Help With a Dementia-Related Nursing Home Abuse or Neglect Case?

Cases involving dementia are often challenging due to the nature of the disease, and obtaining the proof you need for a successful claim is problematic. You are likely feeling very emotional about the situation, which can prevent you from making the right choices to protect your loved one from further harm.

Attorney Dave Carlson previously served as an Illinois prosecutor and a judge with a long history of holding at-fault parties liable for their actions. He knows how to build strong cases and will work hard to achieve the best possible outcome for you and your family.

Contact a Trusted Morris, IL Nursing Home Abuse Attorney Today

Elders with dementia deserve compassion and respect, not abuse and neglect. Carlson Law Group, P.C. can help your family seek justice. Call 815-710-3700 or contact us online to arrange your free case review with our knowledgeable Joliet, IL personal injury lawyer.