Phoenix Nursing Home Abuse Attorneys Serving All of Arizona
According to the American Association of Retired Persons, the number of Arizona residents 85 and older is expected to grow by 135 percent by the year 2030. Roughly 13 percent of the state’s population is already over 65 years or older. With such a large elderly population that is only expected to grow, it is not surprising that more than half of the state’s Medicaid budget is spent on institutional care. If you have a loved one in a senior care facility that you have doubts about, speak with one of our Arizona injury attorneys today.
This growth in the number of elderly residents – especially in states like Arizona – is driving demand for long-term care facilities. Unfortunately, it is also driving the growth in for-profit facilities that care more about their balance sheets than providing the best possible care for their residents. The people in these facilities are the most vulnerable among us, most of whom suffer from chronic health conditions. If you have a loved one in a nursing home and you suspect they are being neglected or abused, do not hesitate to get in touch with a Phoenix accident lawyer by calling 602-777-7000 or by filling out our Free Case Evaluation form HERE.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR IF YOU SUSPECT ABUSE
Most cases of elder abuse and neglect are never discovered, let alone reported. Despite that, the Arizona Adult Protective Services System received 21,654 communications of abuse, neglect, and exploitation in 2016, an all-time high. The number of reports is up 62 percent over the last four years. What to look for, according to the University of Arizona Center on Aging:
- Physical abuse: Unexplained bruises, fractures, cuts or abrasions in unexpected places, fear (patients may flinch or cringe), anger, withdrawal from friends/family or previously enjoyed activities, implausible stories, or contradictory statements.
- Sexual abuse: Sexually transmitted diseases, difficulty walking or sitting, increased anxiety or isolation, or bruises around the breast or genital areas.
- Emotional abuse: Depression, agitation, withdrawal from normal activities, being anxious to please or submissive in the presence of the abuser, lack of eye contact, and new or increased use of alcohol or drugs.
- Financial exploitation: Increased isolation and dependency on a single caregiver, appearing nervous or anxious around a particular person, suddenly having a new friend who seems very interested in their health and finances, or comments about missing funds or possessions.
- Neglect: Pressure sores, unexplained weight loss, insufficient/inappropriate clothing, lack of cleanliness, and lack of or delayed medical care.
If you have noticed any of these signs in a loved one, reach out to an Arizona personal injury lawyer today by calling Burg Simpson at 602-777-7000.
CONTACT OUR BURG SIMPSON LAWYERS IN ARIZONA
There are several reasons why an elderly family member is reluctant to report neglect or abuse. Whether it is out of pride, shame, or sense of isolation and/or hopelessness, it is far too common for abuse victims to keep quiet.
The Arizona injury attorneys at our Burg Simpson office in Phoenix have more than 40 years of experience helping families recover from these tragic situations. If you have a family member in a facility and you are worried about their welfare, reach out to an Arizona injury lawyer today by calling Burg Simpson at 602-777-7000 or completing our Free Case Evaluation Form now.
