When your loved one moved into a Generations Assisted Living Facility, you expected a safe environment and compassionate assistance. Unfortunately, you now suspect abuse or neglect. We help assisted living residents file lawsuits against negligent facilities.
If you or your loved one experienced neglect at a Generations Assisted Living Facility or any other facility, contact Hughey Law Firm now to discuss your case.
Our firm’s past results cannot predict the compensation you may receive for any injuries you or your loved one sustained due to neglect or abuse in an assisted living facility. But our attorneys have the experience necessary to provide you with comprehensive legal assistance against Generations—we have won cases against them when its facilities injured our clients. If the company injured you or a loved one, we can help guide you through your claim.
Hughey Law Firm Helps Assisted Living Residents Pursue the Compensation They Deserve
Assisted living facilities bridge the gap between seniors who can no longer safely live at home, but who do not need a skilled nursing facility. Many of these facilities, including Generations Assisted Living Facilities throughout South Carolina, promise to offer individualized care in a safe, home-like environment. Unfortunately, a facility’s promises fall short when a resident experiences abuse and neglect.
About Generations Senior Care Assisted Living Facilities
Generations Senior Care owns and operates several South Carolina assisted living facilities, which include:
- Generations of Batesburg-Leesville, 111 Generations Blvd., Batesburg-Leesville, SC 29006
- Generations of Irmo, 7142 Woodrow St., Irmo, SC 29063
- Generations of Chapin, 431 East Boundary St., Chapin, SC 29036
Each facility claims to offer a variety of amenities. Depending on the location, a resident has access to an on-site beauty parlor, common areas for socializing, outdoor courtyards, and exercise sessions. On paper, these services sound great. But any amenities that an assisted living facility offers are negated when neglect and abuse occur.
When Is an Assisted Living Facility Considered Negligent?
Assisted living facility residents vary in their abilities and needs. Some residents simply enjoy living in a community of other seniors. They may only require help to safely get in and out of the shower.
Yet other residents will need daily assistance with meals, hygiene, and medication reminders. Those who need more assistance may be the most vulnerable to abuse and neglect.
For those unfamiliar with elder care, it can be difficult to discern the natural aging process from more subtle signs of abuse and neglect. This is especially true if staff attempts to downplay or ignore your concerns. There are several types of abuse and neglect that can occur in an Assisted living facility.
Unexplained injuries
Falls are common among older adults. Unfortunately, a facility may try to hide elder abuse and claim that your loved one “fell,” when something else took place. If your loved one did fall, there should be a form or daily charting notes that details the incident.
Weight loss or signs of malnutrition
Assisted living facilities are responsible for the resident’s nutritional needs. That includes mealtime reminders, adherence to dietary restrictions, and access to snacks and beverages throughout the day.
Malnutrition or dehydration in elders is serious and can exacerbate other medical conditions.
Stolen money or belongings
Many assisted living facility employees can enter a resident’s apartment or room: aides, housekeeping staff, LPNs, and RNs. Seniors experience financial abuse when staff steal their money, jewelry, or gain access to social security or credit card numbers.
A medical condition that suddenly worsens
Many seniors take prescription medications that are vital to their health. While a person’s medical conditions can change over time, an abrupt decline may be due to medications that are forgotten or intentionally withheld.
Staff face repercussions when they forget to dispense medications. Dishonest employees may attempt to cover this up and throw out or pocket missed doses. And unfortunately, staff may steal drugs for their own use, or to sell or give away to another person.
Social withdrawal and signs of depression
Not all abuse has physical signs. If your loved one is emotionally or verbally abused, they may not want to leave their room or apartment. They may act depressed, lose their appetite, and sleep more often.
Pressure sores and infections
When a senior lies in bed or sits too long, they may develop painful pressure sores. These are commonly called “bed sores” and often appear on the buttocks, tailbone, or back.
A urinary tract or bladder infection can be a sign that incontinence care isn’t taking place. A loved one may not be reminded to use the bathroom, or they may sit in a soiled or wet brief for too long.
Lack of hygiene
Inattentive, lazy, or overworked staff may miss scheduled showers and baths. You may also notice your loved one wears the same clothing or has dirty bed linens.
Who Is Responsible for Abuse and Neglect in at Generations?
An assisted living facility’s owner or administrator is ultimately responsible for its residents’ care.
That means:
- Competent employees are hired and properly trained
- Punitive actions are in place for employees that don’t do their job properly
- Adequate staff levels are maintained
An assisted living facility is only as good as its administration and staff. High employee turnover rates and improperly trained staff may make a facility ripe for abuse and neglect.
Abuse can come not just from staff, but from another resident. Staff members must keep all residents safe. The facility should train them to identify bullying, theft, and intimidation amongst residents. They must report and handle these situations appropriately.
Assisted living facilities don’t want to lose money. A facility may try to cover up or downplay the actions of a resident who is abusive towards other residents.
Compensation For Abuse and Neglect in Assisted Living Facilities
Your loved one deserves compensation for what they’ve been through.
An assisted living facility abuse and neglect settlement may cover:
- All medical costs associated with the abuse or neglect
- Any needed psychological treatment, such as counseling
- Replacement of stolen items or money
- Pain and suffering, and emotional distress
It is difficult to recover these damages without legal representation.
Why You Need A Lawyer For Assisted Living Abuse and Neglect at Generations
When staff or management is approached about abuse and neglect, they may try to shirk responsibility. One shift may blame another for the wrongdoing. Or, a supervisor will say that they’ll “look into it,” only to do nothing. Of course, then they lawyer up to stymie your attempts to rectify the problem
Unfortunately, when abuse or neglect happens, you have no time to lose.
As attorneys, we hold negligent facilities accountable. We believe that a lack of financial resources shouldn’t get in the way of justice. That’s why we offer free initial consultations to our prospective clients. If you do hire us, we work on a contingency fee basis.
That means we don’t collect our fees until after you receive compensation. Contact Hughey Law Firm today at (843) 203-6689 to learn more.
Hughey Law Firm LLC
1311 Chuck Dawley Blvd. | Suite 201
Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464
Phone: 843-881-8644