How to Respond to Mistreatment in Nursing Home?

Nursing homes must provide vital care but unfortunately, mistreatment can happen. There are many types of abuse such as emotional abuse, financial abuse, and even physical abuse, as well as neglect. It is a serious issue but by understanding your rights and identifying the signs you can fight it and receive the compensation you deserve.

Recognizing the signs of mistreatment

The first step towards justice is recognizing the signs of abuse. This can be minor or large, but you must be aware of their range of possibilities. Here are some things to take notice of at such a stage.

1. Physical Abuse: If the elderly person has unexplained bruises, injuries, or cuts in their body, then this can be a sign of physical abuse. Other than this malnutrition and poor hygiene can also be considered.
2. Behavioral Changes: Pay attention to their moods, if they are showing signs of sudden anxiety, depression, withdrawal, or weird reaction in front of faculty members then this can be signs of emotional abuse.
3. Social Interaction: Sudden isolation, lack of social interaction, locking themselves in their rooms and not leaving it for hours can also be signs of abuses.
4. Financial Issues: If out of nowhere, valuable and money items are missing, pressure to change wills or financial plans and unexplained charges can be signs of financial abuse.
5. Neglect Signs: Look for neglect signs in your loved one’s living conditions, such as unsanitary living space, untreated medical problem, and failure to fulfil basic needs.

Taking Action: Reporting and Fighting for your Right

If you suspect mistreatment then it’s necessary to act so that the culprits can be punished.

1. Document Evidence: Document everything, as it can be used as crucial evidence in claim. Everything including injuries and bank statements matters.
2. Talk to your loved ones: Talk to your elders so that you can know about the whole condition and proceed according to that and claim their case. Listen carefully to their concerns.
3. Report to the facility: Report the problem to the facility, write a proper complaint as it also be used as evidence later.
4. Contact local authority: Contact local authority or law enforcement that’s in charge of such incidents and ask them to have an investigation.
5. Get Legal Advice: Consider consulting a legal advisor to navigate the legal maze and helping your loved ones to get the compensation they deserve.

Protecting Your Loved Ones in Future

After such an incident in a nursing house you must be aware of further risks and hence have to choose the next facility with a good and reliable environment that can also help your loved ones heal from past traumas.

1. Choose reputable facility: Do your research on a reputable facility and visit it before sending your loved ones there.
2. Maintain open communication: Maintain open communication with your loved ones and the staff so that you can be aware of everything that’s going on.
3. Know your rights: Become fully aware of the rights of your loved ones and teach them about it too so that they can be saved from further abuse in future.
4. Stay involved: Regularly visit the facility to stay informed about the facility’s practices.

Nursing homes should be havens for our most vulnerable population. By familiarizing yourself with the signs of abuse, acting if you suspect it, and implementing preventative measures, you can ensure your loved one receives the care and respect they deserve. Remember, you are their voice. Don’t hesitate to speak up and protect their well-being.

If your or someone you loved to need any type of legal assistance then call now for a free consultation at (718) 414-6642.