Nursing homes have been in the global spotlight for months given failures surrounding disease transmission.
Unfortunately, poor care at nursing homes isn’t something that has just cropped up recently.
Nursing home abuse has been a specter that has long haunted the industry and families affected.
If you have a loved one that’s living in an assisted facility, abuse is something you always need to be on the lookout for.
The moment you suspect it via stories, physical marks, or changes in your loved one’s attitude, take action.
For those of you that are not sure where to start when it comes to assessing and dealing with nursing home abuse, below, we share some universal steps that are worth exploring.
1. Talk to Your Loved One
The first thing you should do when you suspect abuse is to talk to your loved one.
While it’s true that not all bumps and bruises are the bi-product of abuse, anything you see that seems off warrants a conversation.
Make sure the conversation you have with a loved one takes place outside of the nursing home, if possible.
Fear of being heard and retaliation may keep your loved one from telling you what they’re dealing with.
2. Speak With Other Residents/Resident Families
If you know anybody else at the facility your loved one is at, don’t be afraid to strike up a conversation with them or their families.
Perhaps another resident has seen abuse take place or has been a victim themselves.
Taking reports from additional parties can help you bolster your suspicions that negative activities may be taking place.
3. Get Your Loved One Out of Harm’s Way
Based on what you’re seeing and hearing regarding abuse, you may need to take swift action to secure your loved one’s safety.
After all, the last thing you’ll want to do is learn that your loved one is being abused and leave them in their home where the abuse will likely continue.
Never tip-off nursing staff to the fact that your loved one is reporting abuse before being able to get them to a safe place.
Putting a bad facility on notice could lead to retaliatory action by those perpetrating the abuse.
4. File a Report
With your loved one safe, it’s time to file an abuse report.
Reports should include any documentation that you have including pictures, testimony and anything else you think might support your case.
Reports should be filed with your facility, nursing home governing boards that oversee your facility and with the police.
5. Contact an Attorney
As is touched on here, your loved one may be entitled to compensation for any injuries they endured during their time at a nursing home.
The best way to find out is to contact an attorney and have them assess your case.
Most attorneys will consult with you free of charge.
Therefore, you have nothing to lose by meeting with a few lawyers and seeing what legal action you can take.
Nursing Home Abuse Is Real and May Be Affecting Your Loved One Now
We’ve all heard stories of nursing home abuse in the media and have thought to ourselves that those horrific narratives won’t touch the people we know.
Believe us when we say that many people have shared those same thoughts only to find their loved ones suffering.
Stay vigilant when it comes to nursing home abuse and never hesitate to take action when it shows its signs.
If you’d like more guidance on this topic or other legal/lifestyle topics, please explore more of the content on our blog.