Signs of Group Home Abuse
Phoenix Lawyers Challenging Group Home Abuse and Neglect
Each year in America, countless people are hurt because of group home abuse and neglect. At Solomon & Relihan, we help them hold group homes responsible for their actions. Our Phoenix law firm provides close personal attention and effective solutions for abuse victims and their families. Since 1974, this has helped us achieve a record of successful outcomes for our clients.
Signs of Group Home Abuse
Sometimes people are not sure whether the injuries suffered by their loved one are the result of group home abuse. There are a few signs they should look for as clear indicators that something is not right:
- Unexplained injuries, including bruises, cuts, and bumps that could be physical abuse
- Unexplained weight loss or change in skin color (signs of malnutrition)
- Lethargy, confusion, or skin that does not rebound when touched (signs of dehydration)
- Frequent emergency room visits
- Changes in behavior
- Crying for no reason
- Showing fear of caregivers or other residents
- Bedsores/pressure ulcers/decubitus ulcers
Under the Adult Protective Services Act, the definition of abuse includes unreasonable confinement, sexual abuse, and any intentional or negligent act — or failure to act — that causes physical harm or injury. Neglect is a pattern of conduct without the person's informed consent resulting in deprivation of food, water, medication, medical services, shelter, cooling, heating, or other services necessary to maintain physical or mental health.
Checking for Signs of Group Home Abuse
Parents with children in a group home can identify and prevent abuse by taking time to examine their children closely, especially areas that are regularly covered by clothes. This way, they can easily check for bruises or other restraint marks, as well as pressure sores and signs of sexual abuse.
If your loved one has difficultly moving, bring someone else with you to help. Pressure sores form at the points where the body rests against a bed or chair. When they are beginning to form, they look like red patches that do not turn white when pressed.
Do not worry if group home staff sees you checking your loved one for signs of abuse or neglect. Knowing that you are watching their actions may actually help protect the resident you care about.
When a Restraint is Really Group Home Abuse
Sometimes group home residents become aggressive or agitated for various reasons. Staff must be trained to control them in a way that is forgiving — a way that is only for the protection of the resident and the safety of others.
All too often, restraint holds are used incorrectly or aggressively. Used as a way to punish residents for their bad behavior, they can cause serious injury, including broken bones, bruises, cuts, and emotional trauma.
If You Believe Group Home Abuse or Neglect Has Occurred
If you believe that group home abuse or neglect has occurred, it is important to take action right away. The attorneys at Solomon & Relihan can help you take action. And we can guide you through the legal process to make sure that group homes are held accountable for the harm they cause.
Talk to a lawyer about taking action. For a free initial consultation about the law on group home negligence, contact our Phoenix law office.
