You might be surprised to find out that approximately 64.2% of staff in nursing care facilities reported they committed some kind of abuse in the past year. This includes neglect, which is a common aspect of abuse in nursing homes.
Nursing homes are meant to be safe havens where elderly individuals receive the care, respect, and dignity they deserve. Unfortunately, neglect can occur, leading to physical, emotional, and psychological harm.
What to do if you suspect nursing home neglect? In this case, it is crucial to take immediate and effective action to ensure the safety and well-being of your loved one.
This step-by-step guide will help you navigate this challenging situation and advocate for the best possible care.
1. Recognize the Nursing Home Abuse Signs
Understanding the signs of neglect is the first crucial step in addressing it. Neglect can manifest in various forms, including:
- Physical Neglect: Poor hygiene, unexplained injuries, bedsores, weight loss, and dehydration
- Emotional Neglect: Depression, anxiety, withdrawal, and changes in mood or behavior
- Medical Neglect: Untreated medical conditions, lack of proper medication, and inadequate medical attention
- Basic Needs Neglect: Insufficient food, water, clothing, and shelter
If you notice your loved one has bedsores, is losing weight, or appears withdrawn and depressed, these could be signs of neglect. You must take action right away if this is the case.
2. Document Your Observations
Thorough documentation is essential when you suspect neglect. Keep detailed records of your observations, including dates, times, and specific incidents. Photographs can provide powerful evidence, especially in cases of physical neglect.
Take photos or videos of any visible injuries, poor living conditions, or other signs of neglect. Keep a journal documenting conversations with nursing home staff and any actions taken.
3. Communicate Your Concerns
Raise your concerns with the nursing home staff and management. Approach them calmly and respectfully, explaining the specific issues you have observed. Clear and open communication can sometimes resolve the problem without further escalation.
Schedule a meeting with the nursing home director or supervisor. Present your documented observations and ask for an explanation and immediate action to address the concerns.
4. Follow Up
After raising your concerns, follow up to ensure that appropriate measures have been taken. Regularly check in on your loved one and continue to document any changes or lack of improvement.
Visit your loved one frequently, and if possible, vary the times of your visits to get a true sense of their daily care. For example, if you tend to always visit them on the weekends, take a half-day off work and visit them on a random weekday.
Keep records of these visits and any subsequent conversations with staff.
5. Seek Medical Evaluation
If you suspect that your loved one’s health has been compromised due to neglect, seek an independent medical evaluation. A healthcare professional can provide an unbiased assessment of their condition and document any findings of neglect or abuse.
Schedule an appointment with your loved one’s primary care physician or a specialist to assess their health and well-being. Ensure that the physician provides a detailed report of their findings.
6. Reporting Elder Neglect
If your concerns are not adequately addressed by the nursing home, it is important to report the neglect to the appropriate authorities. Each state has an agency responsible for investigating nursing home neglect and abuse.
Typically, this is the Adult Protective Services (APS) or the local Long-Term Care Ombudsman program.
To report your concerns, contact your state’s APS or Long-Term Care Ombudsman. Provide them with your documented observations and any evidence you have collected.
7. Legal Actions for Nursing Home Abuse
Understanding the legal rights of nursing home residents is crucial. Familiarize yourself with federal and state laws that protect residents from neglect and abuse. For instance, the Nursing Home Reform Act mandates specific standards of care and residents’ rights.
Research the Nursing Home Reform Act and your state’s specific regulations regarding nursing home care. Knowing these laws will empower you to advocate effectively for your loved one.
8. Seek Legal Advice
Consulting with an attorney who specializes in elder law or nursing home neglect can provide you with valuable guidance and support. An experienced attorney can help you navigate the legal process, protect your loved one’s rights, and pursue legal action if necessary.
Schedule a consultation with an elder law attorney to discuss your case. Provide them with your documentation and any evidence of neglect. They can advise you on the best course of action, including potential lawsuits or claims against the nursing home.
9. Consider Alternative Care Options
If the neglect continues or if you have lost trust in the nursing home’s ability to provide proper care, consider alternative care options. Research other nursing homes, assisted living facilities, or in-home care services to find a safer and more supportive environment for your loved one.
Visit and evaluate other nursing homes or care facilities. Speak with staff, residents, and families to gauge the quality of care. If possible, move your loved one to a better facility where their needs will be properly met.
10. Advocate for Systemic Change
Addressing nursing home neglect on a broader scale requires systemic change. Advocate for stronger regulations, better oversight, and increased funding for nursing home care. Join advocacy groups and support organizations that work towards improving the quality of care in nursing homes.
Get involved with local or national advocacy groups focused on elder care. Participate in campaigns, attend meetings, and support legislative efforts to improve nursing home standards.
What to Do if You Suspect Nursing Home Neglect?
It’s always a horrible thing to realize that your elderly parent is being abused or neglected in a nursing care facility where they are supposed to be taken care of. So what to do if you suspect nursing home neglect?
Get in touch with Cummings Law as soon as you notice signs of elder abuse. We are Nashville’s trusted personal injury and medical malpractice law firm. We have a track record of success and will fight aggressively for your loved one’s rights.
Set up an appointment with our team today.
Posted in: Medical Malpractice