Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia are devastating, both to the older adult suffering from the disease and to close friends and family members. As you may know, Alzheimer’s disease is one form of dementia, and the most common, according to the Alzheimer’s Association. It is important to understand that loss of reasoning, memory, and thinking skills associated with dementia is not part of the normal process of aging, but rather are symptoms of serious degenerative brain diseases. Seniors with Alzheimer’s may not always realize or be able to recognize abuse, so it is especially important for family members to be vigilant. If you have concerns, you should seek advice from a New York nursing home abuse attorney. In the meantime, here are five things to consider about Alzheimer’s and nursing home negligence lawsuits.
1. Older Adults With Alzheimer’s and Other Forms of Dementia are Particularly Susceptible to Nursing Home Abuse
You should know that older adults who have Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia “are especially vulnerable” to abuse, according to the Alzheimer’s Association, since “the disease may prevent them from reporting the abuse or recognizing it.” Indeed, abuse can occur over a prolonged period of time in seniors with Alzheimer’s if nobody recognizes the signs or symptoms, and those seniors also “may fall prey to strangers who take advantage of their cognitive impairment.”
2. Elder Abuse Involving Alzheimer’s Patients Can Take Many Forms
As in other elder abuse and neglect cases, abuse involving Alzheimer’s patients can take many forms, including physical abuse, emotional or psychological abuse, sexual abuse, confinement, willful deprivation, and neglect. It is essential to be able to recognize the wide-ranging symptoms of these different forms of abuse in a loved one with dementia.
3. Cognitive Impairment Can Make Recognizing Signs of Abuse or Negligence More Difficult
Due to the cognitive impairment caused by Alzheimer’s disease, seniors suffering from abuse may not be able to recognize it themselves or to report it.
4. Nursing Home Negligence Lawsuits Can Include Alzheimer’s Care Facilities
Nursing homes are often named as defendants in elder abuse lawsuits involving dementia patients. In addition, you should know that you may be able to file a nursing home negligence lawsuit against an Alzheimer’s care facility that focuses on seniors with dementia. In fact, these facilities should be taking clear precautions to prevent and stop abuse involving elderly residents with Alzheimer’s disease.
5. Filing a Claim May be Possible Even if the Abused Senior is Not Cognizant of Injuries
Even if a senior does not recognize the abuse as such, it is still possible to speak with a lawyer about filing a lawsuit.
Contact Our New York Nursing Home Negligence Attorneys
Filing a nursing home negligence lawsuit can be especially complicated when the victim is an older adult with Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia. However, you should know that it is possible to sue a nursing home or other related facility for abuse or negligence when a senior with Alzheimer’s suffers abuse and injury there. Our experienced New York nursing home negligence lawyers are here to help. Contact Leitner Varughese, PLLC for more information about how our firm can assist with your case.
