If you believe that a loved one is being neglected in the nursing home he or she is residing in, it’s important to take action as soon as possible. Don’t assume that things will get better or that it’s the result of something else. In a recent study by the National Center on Elder Abuse, upwards of 10% of elders were victims of neglect or abuse. Here are a few steps to take if you believe your elderly loved one is being neglected.
Ask Questions
Depending on how coherent your elderly loved one is, ask him or her questions about their care. Are they complaining of being neglected? Are they getting their food? Are they getting their medicine? If they can provide feedback on their care, it can help you figure out if the care is adequate or not.
Voice Your Concerns
If you are concerned about the level of care that is being provided, make sure you say something to the people that are providing the care. If it’s serious, be sure to speak to the manager of the facility to see what can be done about getting the proper care your elderly loved one deserves.
Document Everything
If you believe they are a victim of abuse or neglect, it’s important to document everything. If the case ends up in court, having that documentation will make your case stronger than if you didn’t have it. Take pictures of any physical signs of abuse or neglect-related injuries or sickness. If the facility is not being properly cleaned, be sure to take pictures showing this. Document any conversations you had with employees of the facility and the management. If you have received any written communication about the care of your loved one, keep that as well.
Look for Signs of Neglect
If you feel that your loved one isn’t getting the care they deserve and are suffering because of it, look for signs of neglect. This could include weight loss, dehydration, bedsores, dirty facilities, dirty clothing, bruises, or scratches, among many other signs.
If you think your loved one is not being cared for properly, you need to get to the bottom of it so he or she can get the care they deserve. If you can’t get management of the facility to help you or you feel that nothing is changing regardless of what you say, taking legal action might be necessary.
We specialize in nursing home abuse and neglect cases and have extensive experience in this area. Even if you simply have questions about the care your loved one is receiving, please contact us or give us a call at 800-676-5295. We offer a free consultation to our new clients to answer their questions and help them determine what options they have.
View other blog posts about Elder Abuse & Neglect.
