According to statistics, 5.1% of nursing home complaints are from neglect abuse and exploitation. These forms of abuse range from physical, emotional to financial. While there are many great nursing homes that offer quality care, there are also rogues one out there. Well, has your loved one complained of abuse? Not sure what to do to help them? In this article, we share the key steps to take if you suspect nursing home abuse.
Recognize the signs and stay calm
It is so disheartening to find out that your loved one is abused. You might lose your temper and act irrationally. While it is okay to be angry, you need to stay calm to find a resolution. Instead, pick up the signs of nursing home abuse and try to collect some evidence. Speak to the victim to collect more information if you can. If they are unwilling to speak out of fear, take photos that indicate abuse.
Engage the staff and management
Before you take any action against the home, it is wise to engage the staff and management to get their side of the story. You might be shocked to find out that the management is not aware of such happenings. If they are not guilty, they should be willing to explain the eventualities. However, you will need to be wise and use your judgment, given that they might lie about the injuries.
Report an emergency and file a complaint with the state agency
This depends on the severity of the abuse. If you have raised concerns with the nursing home and received no help, it’s time to take it up with the authorities. For starters, if the situation you observe is an emergency, call 911 to ensure your loved one gets immediate treatment or care. You can then proceed and file a complaint with the state agency responsible for nursing homes to begin investigations.
Talk to a nursing home abuse lawyer
There are cases that will always go beyond you. For instance, you might find yourself reporting a complaint to the home only to receive no action. If your loved one is assaulted or neglected, he/she is entitled to protection and compensation. Find a law firm that specializes in assisted living lawsuits to discuss these transgressions. Ensure you work with an experienced nursing home attorney with a track record handling nursing home abuse cases. They can examine the impact on the abuse and help you protect the rights of your loved one.
Move your loved one to another facility
Once you open a window for investigations, you might want to move your loved one to another facility. However, before doing that, talk to your loved one, explain to them why they need to move. Remember, they might have established relationships, gained friends, and might not want to leave. Try to be patient and find ways to explain why you are moving. Don’t forget to do your homework on the next home before you transition them.
Wrap up
When an elderly person is abused, they may not be able to express themselves well. The agony, the pain can take a toll on them. You can step in and help them find justice. Once you have gathered evidence of abuse, do not hesitate to report the case and talk to a lawyer to bring the perpetrators to book.
