Sending your loved ones to a nursing home is one of the hardest decisions you will ever make. When you send them to the facility, you know that the expert staff in the organization will take care of them and meet their needs. But know that not all nursing homes are the same. There are tons of complaints recorded of nursing home abuse against some of these facilities.
Nursing home abuse refers to the personal injury of a resident or neglect. It includes physical injuries, emotional trauma, sexual assault, and financial exploitation. When you experience any of these signs of abuse, you must take actionable steps against the facility to protect your rights.
In this article, we will discuss some of the steps to take when you experience nursing home abuse of a loved one. So, let’s get started:
1. Understand The Signs Of Abuse
When you visit the facility to meet your loved ones, they won’t tell you what’s going on there. Also, they refuse to part in the conversation related to the abuse. So, how will you know that your loved ones are mistreated when they are not speaking up?
Well, nobody is going to tell you what’s happening in the facility. You have to look for the signs on your own. Here are some signs that you should notice:
- Bedsores - Bedsores are painful, especially for elderly residents. If left untreated, it can cause severe health issues like diabetes, muscle and bone problems, etc. This can be a sign that the residents are not being moved during the day.
- Dehydration - If you notice that your loved one is dehydrated, it could be a sign of home abuse or neglect.
- Poor hygiene - Nursing homes are meant to take care of their residents at their best. This also includes proper hygiene. If you notice poor hygiene, it is a sign of nursing home abuse.
- Bleeding wounds - While bruises or cuts are an accident, this is something that you shouldn’t overlook. It is a sign that something is not right in the facility.
The list doesn’t end here. You need to pay attention to these signs and report immediately to the manager of the facility about staff’s behavior and living conditions.
2. Consult A Lawyer
Your loved ones deserve a place where all their needs are met. However, if you notice nursing home abuse in the facility, it is wise to consult nursing home abuse attorneys with a compassionate approach who will fight for your rights and loved ones. The attorney will first evaluate the case and take further steps accordingly.
Make sure to consult a lawyer who is experienced, knowledgeable, trained, and passionate about his/her field and can handle nursing home abuse cases effectively. A lawyer will also help you receive compensation for the damages caused by the abuse.
3. Try To Gather Evidence
It’s important to document the abuse and collect the evidence to prove it in court. You can either take photos or record a video with your cell phone.
Gathering the evidence will help you take immediate and strong action against the facility. You have to document it in writing which will include the date, timing, description, and statement of the resident.
You can also consult with a professional lawyer who will guide you on how to document in writing and what are the next procedures.
4. Remove Your Loved Ones From The Facility
When the nursing home refuses to take immediate action, make sure to remove your loved ones from that facility. Look for a nursing home that offers better facilities and provides proper care for the residents.
5. Report An Emergency
If the situation gets critical, make sure to contact the respective authorities to give medical treatment to your loved ones or be removed from a dangerous situation.
Taking this step will help you protect your loved one’s health and establish a paper trail regarding the abuse.
6. Contact The Insurance Company
Before filing a case against the facility, you must contact the insurance company to insure the nursing home and file a claim.
The nursing home will give you some amount to avoid the lawsuit but this won’t fully compensate for the pain and suffering which your loved ones had gone through.
Summing Up
Nothing is more frustrating and sad to see your loved ones suffering in a nursing home. If you witness any abuse in the facility, it is important to take immediate action against the nursing home.
Try to gather evidence and consult a professional lawyer who will fight for your rights and loved ones.
Leave a Reply