Nursing home facilities are expected to respect their residents’ rights and treat them with compassion, care, and kindness. Unfortunately, many Virginia nursing homes fail to produce this quality care for their elderly residents. In the past few years, government officials have inspected and penalized almost one-in-four nursing home facilities in Virginia because of federal and state violations. Here at KBA Attorneys, we fully recognize that this is a serious problem that needs to be remedied. We are committed to using the law to fight for the justice that our clients deserve. If you have a loved one who has been subjected to nursing home abuse, contact our Virginia nursing home abuse lawyers today.
Virginia Nursing Home Abuse & Neglect
Virginia Nursing Homes with Low Ratings
The following nursing homes have been given low ratings based on health inspections, staffing, and quality measures. Two nursing homes on this list are marked as Special Focus Facilities (SFF), which indicates that these nursing homes have committed consistent violations of health and safety regulations. The facilities marked as SFF are given twice the number of federal inspections.
| Nursing Home | Overall Rating | Health Inspections | Staffing | Quality Measures |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Battlefield Park Healthcare Center | Much Below Average | Much Below Average | Below Average | Below Average |
| Woodmont Center | Much Below Average | Much Below Average | Below Average | Average |
| Augusta Nursing & Rehab Center | Much Below Average | Much Below Average | Below Average | Average |
| Envoy of Westover Hills | Special Focus Facility | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Ashland Nursing and Rehabilitation | Special Focus Facility | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Nursing Home Resident Rights in Virginia
When you move your loved one into a long-term care facility or nursing home in the state of Virginia, that loved one does not lose their rights. According to both state and federal laws, the rights of those living in nursing homes fall into two types:
- Quality of Life – Owners and staff of nursing home facilities are required by law to care for the residents and the environment they live in and work to promote enhancement or maintenance of the quality of life for each of their residents.
- Quality of Care – Nursing home facilities must offer the necessary services and care that will allow their full-time residents to maintain or attain the highest mental, physical and psychosocial well-being possible.
Nursing homes in Virginia need to ensure their residents are free from any physical and mental abuse by staff and other residents. They are tasked with never neglecting to meet the individual needs of each senior citizen in their care on a daily basis.
When the staff of a nursing home does not live up to their duties and a resident suffers because of their failure, a resident or their family member has every right to obtain help from a law firm. When you contact us here at KBA Attorneys, we will answer any questions you might have about your loved one in a nursing home and explain your rights and the rights of your loved one in detail. We will explain all of your legal options and help you choose the best course of action to get justice and compensation.
Signs of Neglect and Abuse in Virginia Nursing Home Facilities
It is important to pay attention to the care and treatment your loved one receives while they are living in a nursing home facility. When you visit them, pay close attention to how they act and the environment they are living in. Also, take note of the staffing levels and the maintenance of the facility. There are many signs of abuse to look for including:
- Emotional Abuse – If you notice an abrupt change in the behavior of your loved one they may be suffering from a form of abuse. Another major flag to watch out for is a sudden onset of depression, anxiety or withdrawal.
- Physical Abuse – Each time you visit your loved one, check their bodies for cuts, bruises and other marks on their bodies. Note any similar patterns or shapes to the marks because they could signify being physically restrained.
- Neglect – Neglect of your loved one in a nursing home is also a form of abuse. Dry and flaky skin, bedsores, unwashed clothes, dirty bedding and weight loss due to malnutrition are all signs of neglect. Injuries from falling are also signs that the nursing home facility is not providing the care your loved one needs and deserves.
- Sexual Abuse – Sexual abuse from fellow residents or staff members often occurs. Keep an eye out for bruising on the buttocks, breasts and genital areas. STDs and infections may also prove your elderly loved one is suffering from sexual abuse.
Monitor Finances
It is also important to pay attention to the finances and belongings of your loved one. Make sure there are no mystery withdrawals from their bank accounts. Make sure there is no missing jewelry, clothes or electronics from their room. This could be a type of abuse called financial abuse.
What Should You Do When You Suspect Elder Abuse?
Unfortunately, many residents suffering from nursing home neglect or abuse in Virginia don’t report it. Oftentimes, they are afraid of retaliation or are simply not mentally capable of taking action. It is important for loved ones of nursing home residents to pay attention and watch out for any signs of abuse or neglect. Failure to take action can leave the abuse and neglect ongoing and allow it to happen to others as well.
- Call the police if a loved one is in danger
If you fear your loved one faces imminent danger while living in a nursing home facility, call the police right away. Be prepared to give the nursing home facility address to the police. Also, give the authorities a full description of what happened and who you think is committing the crime.
- Report to proper authorities
For nursing home abuse and neglect situations that are not emergencies, it is important to place a report with the right organizations such as Adult Protective Services and the Department of Social Services in Virginia.
Get Legal Help from a Reputable Attorney
For those who are sure their loved one is being neglected in a nursing home, it can be confusing figuring out what to do next. Here at KBA Attorneys, we will give you the guidance you need to protect your loved one. We can help you report abuse or neglect and contact the necessary authorities for you.
How Can Kba Attorneys Help You With Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect Cases?
When you report abuse or neglect happening at a Virginia nursing home facility, authorities will take the matter into their own hands and perform an investigation. The results of that investigation can result in penalties against the owner of the facility and any staff members who are guilty of harming the residents. Our job is to help you address the abuse to your loved one while they were staying in the facility.
Our experienced Virginia nursing home abuse lawyers will hold the facility accountable for the abuse your loved one suffered. We will help you and your loved one pursue compensation that may include money for :
- Physical pain and suffering
- Past, current and future medical expenses
- Punitive damages
- Emotional distress
- Wrongful death damages in the instance your loved one died in the facility as a result of neglect or abuse
Speak With an Experienced Nursing Home Emotional Abuse Lawyer
Here at KBA Attorneys, we understand that no amount of money can make up for the harm your loved one suffered. However, a civil action against the facility and anyone involved can get you and your family the justice and answers you deserve. If your loved one is in a nursing home facility here in Virginia and you suspect abuse, don’t hesitate to contact our Reston, VA office as soon as possible. We will sit down and discuss your options with you so that you can make an informed decision on how to proceed. Your loved one deserves justice.