Vulnerable Patients Deserve Protection—But Many Are Suffering in Silence
Patients with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia are among the most vulnerable residents in nursing homes and assisted living facilities in Georgia. Their cognitive impairments make them easy targets for abuse and neglect—often without their families realizing it. Sadly, many facilities fail to provide proper supervision, leading to mistreatment, preventable injuries, and life-threatening harm.
At Johnson Greer Law Group, we fight for families who suspect their loved ones have been abused in Georgia nursing homes or assisted living facilities. If your loved one has Alzheimer’s or dementia and you’ve noticed signs of mistreatment, it’s critical to take action before it’s too late. An experienced nursing home abuse attorney from our law firm can help you find your way forward.
What Makes Alzheimer’s and Dementia Patients More Vulnerable to Abuse and Neglect?
Patients with memory loss and cognitive impairments often struggle to communicate, which makes it difficult for them to report abuse. They may:
- Have trouble recognizing their abuser.
- Be unable to recall or describe incidents of harm.
- Be dismissed by staff who claim they are confused or imagining things.
- Become withdrawn, anxious, or fearful without explanation.
Because they rely entirely on caregivers, they are at risk of multiple forms of abuse, including physical, emotional, financial, and sexual abuse, as well as severe neglect.
Common Types of Abuse in Dementia Care Facilities
Nursing home and assisted living abuse can take many forms. Some of the most common include:
Physical Abuse
- Unexplained bruises, fractures, or cuts.
- Signs of restraint, such as marks on wrists or ankles.
- Rough handling during transfers or daily care.
Emotional or Psychological Abuse
- Yelling, threats, or intimidation by staff.
- Humiliating or mocking a resident.
- Isolating the resident from others.
Neglect
- Failure to provide food, water, or hygiene assistance.
- Leaving a resident unattended for long periods.
- Allowing bedsores, infections, or dehydration to develop.
Financial Exploitation
- Unauthorized changes to a will or power of attorney.
- Missing personal belongings or unexplained withdrawals.
- Staff members pressuring residents for money or gifts.
Sexual Abuse
- Unexplained STDs or genital injuries.
- Fearfulness or anxiety around certain staff members.
- Inappropriate contact or behavior by caregivers.
What Are the Signs of Abuse in Alzheimer’s or Dementia Patients?
Because victims may not be able to report abuse themselves, family members need to be vigilant. Warning signs include:
- Sudden weight loss or dehydration.
- Poor hygiene or soiled clothing.
- Fearfulness or agitation around staff.
- Unexplained injuries or frequent hospital visits.
- Changes in personality or increased confusion.
- Bedsores, infections, or medication mismanagement.
If you notice any of these signs, don’t ignore them. Trust your instincts—your loved one may be suffering in silence.
Georgia Laws Protect Nursing Home Residents—But Many Facilities Still Fail
Georgia law requires nursing homes and assisted living facilities to provide adequate care and supervision for residents, including those with dementia. Federal laws, such as the Nursing Home Reform Act, also set minimum care standards. Unfortunately, many facilities violate these laws due to:
- Understaffing: Not enough caregivers to properly monitor residents.
- Untrained Staff: Employees not trained in dementia care.
- Neglectful Management: Failing to report abuse or investigate complaints.
At Johnson Greer Law Group, we hold nursing homes accountable when they fail to protect our most vulnerable citizens.
What to Do if You Suspect Abuse of a Loved One with Dementia
If you believe your loved one is being mistreated in a nursing home or assisted living facility, take immediate action:
- Document the signs of abuse – Take photos, keep notes, and save medical records.
- Report concerns to facility administrators – Demand an immediate investigation.
- File a complaint with Georgia regulators – The Georgia Department of Community Health investigates abuse cases.
- Contact a nursing home abuse lawyer – Legal action may be needed to stop the abuse and seek compensation.
How a Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer Can Help
At Johnson Greer Law Group, our lawyers are committed to fighting for families affected by nursing home abuse and neglect. Our attorneys take a hands-on approach, conducting in-depth investigations to uncover signs of mistreatment and building strong cases to hold negligent facilities accountable.
We understand the devastating impact of nursing home abuse, and we work tirelessly to seek justice for victims and their families. Whether it involves securing financial compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, or wrongful death, we are prepared to fight for the full measure of justice your loved one deserves.
Contact us today for a free consultation. Our office is located in Decatur, and we offer legal representation to families throughout Georgia.
"From our first meeting, Mr. Johnson's professionalism, integrity, honesty, and compassion were evident. His deep understanding of the law, coupled with his genuine concern for my family's well-being, reassured me that my father’s legacy would be protected." — Anthony H., ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐