For adults with mental or physical disabilities, group homes can be a saving grace for family members. Intended to provide a safe and supportive living environment, group homes and their employees are trusted by many families.
However, not all United States group homes are places of comfort for some disabled adults. The reality is that neglect, abuse, and mistreatment occur in some of these residences. When advocators notice inadequate care and unexplainable injury of their loved ones, they must act quickly to protect the safety and well-being of these vulnerable adults.
Severe Injury Due to Group Home Neglect
Group home residents who experience neglect may suffer from severe injury, infection, or even death in some cases. The residents in these homes rely on the caregiving staff for their medication needs, help with daily activities, and proper nutrition and meals.
When these vulnerable individuals are mistreated, ignored, and carelessly supervised, they may get hurt, be mis-medicated, and fall severely ill. Additionally, emotional and physical abuse can result in lasting psychological damage as well as physical scars. These preventable issues frequently lead to the patient’s untimely death.
Types of Injuries Commonly Experienced by Disabled Adults in Group Homes
Disabled adults are subject to many types of injuries when they are abused or neglected. This type of mistreatment is probably more common than you may believe – thousands of group home residents are abused every year and suffer subsequent injuries. Common types of injury include:
- Physical injuries – In cases of physical abuse, disabled adults suffer from fractures, bone breaks, bruises, and burns.
- Health complications from poor medication management – When vulnerable adults fail to receive their medications or are provided incorrect doses, it poses a risk to their health.
- Bedsores – Disabled adults who are immobile can develop pressure sores, which may lead to serious life-threatening infection.
- Falls – Adults with mobility issues are prone to falls that may lead to broken bones, ulcerations, and other injuries.
- Malnutrition – Residents who do not receive adequate or regular meals may suffer from malnutrition, which can cause various health issues.
- Emotional and psychological trauma – This type of injury is not physical, so is often harder to see; however, neglect and abuse can damage a disabled adults emotionally and mentally.
Legal Rights and Protections for Disabled Adults in Group Homes
Fortunately, there are federal laws in place that protect vulnerable and abused disabled adults who reside in group residences. These laws include the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Fair Housing Act. They exist to protect mentally and physically disabled adults from discrimination in many aspects of life, including while being housed in a group home. Additionally, disabled people who live in group homes have the right to report abuse and neglect.
Fair Housing Act – Since 1968, the Fair Housing Act has been in place to protect the disabled. This law prohibits discrimination in housing and housing-related transactions based on disability and also enforces the requirement for reasonable accommodations for disabled adults. Reasonable accommodations include aspects from the addition of grab bars in bathrooms and accessible parking to wheelchair ramps and mechanical or electrical aids.
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) – This civil rights law protects people with disabilities from discrimination in public programs. Discrimination by a group home employee — which can result in mental and physical abuse — is prohibited, according to the ADA.
The right to report abuse – Mistreated adults with disabilities have the right to report abuse without retaliation. Many states have laws that require witnesses of physical or mental abuse to report the mistreatment within 24 hours of becoming aware of it.
Preventing Injuries and Ensuring Safe Care in Group Homes
Many measures can be taken to prevent physical or mental damage to disabled adults in group and assisted living homes. First and foremost, there must be oversight of group homes to ensure that employees provide quality care and that the homes are adequately accommodating to the disabled.
Group homes need to be designed with safety in mind, and the staff should not only be able to recognize signs of abuse, but they must also receive expert training to care for residents. Regular evaluations of residents can help identify any issues as soon as they arise.
The safety and well-being of mentally and physically disabled adults in group homes should be a top priority. At Lipinski Law, our team of experienced lawyers and staff are here to fight in the pursuit of justice for mistreated disabled people in group homes. If a family member is suffering from abuse or neglect in a group residence, contact us for a free consultation. Our compassionate lawyers and staff have the experience to obtain justice for abused vulnerable adults.
