We expect nursing homes to give our loved ones the best care possible. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. Nursing home abuse does occur. What are some of the signs of nursing home elder abuse and what should you do if you suspect it is happening? Continue reading to learn more.
First it is important to be able to recognize some of the common signs and symptoms of elder abuse and neglect in nursing homes.
Physical Abuse
According to San Diego elder abuse attorney Joel R. Bryant, physical abuse can cause injuries such as: fractured or broken bones, burns, bruising, wounds, scars, welts, scratches, or bites.
Bedsores
Bedsores, also known as pressure ulcers, commonly occur in nursing homes when residents are not frequently repositioned in their wheelchair or bed. When not frequently repositioned, areas with thin skin and prominent bones lack proper blood flow and bedsores can develop.
Slips and Falls
Nursing home residents may slip and fall if not supervised or if the nursing home fails to implement the proper safety measures and maintenance of the facility.
Malnutrition
Malnutrition can cause severe health problems to arise in residents and is one of the biggest telltale signs of nursing home abuse and neglect. Malnutrition can also cause residents to be more prone to developing bedsores.
These are only some of the most common signs of elder neglect and abuse. Recognizing these signs can help you better understand the scope of the situation and will help you when you decide to take action. So what actions should you take if you suspect nursing home elder abuse and neglect?
1. Talk to your loved one
Ask your loved one and residents of the nursing home about the situation. However, it is important to realize that some may lack the mental capability of recognizing and remembering such instances. Even those that can recognize the abuse may fear retaliation and be reluctant to speak about it. It’s also important to document the signs of abuse and neglect you notice with the proper dates and details.
2. Discuss the situation with the facility’s administrators
The next thing you should do is discuss the matter with the nursing home manager or supervisor. They should offer to investigate your complaints and concerns or offer an explanation. Speaking to the facility’s administration is the best action to take unless you believe that the residents’ lives are in danger. In that case, you should call 911.
3. File a complaint
If you notice, after taking the above steps, that the nursing home resident’s condition and care has not improved, you need to file a complaint with the proper state agency. You can find your state’s agency by visiting the National Council on Aging. Another option is to report to your state’s long-term care ombudsman. An ombudsman is a middleman between nursing home facilities and residents. They protect the rights of residents and investigate claims of health and safety. You can find more information at the National Long-Term Care Ombudsman Resource Center.
4. Hire an attorney
It is also important that you contact an experienced elder abuse attorney to discuss your case. An attorney can help you navigate the situation and take the proper legal actions.
We put immense trust into nursing home facilities to maintain the proper care of its residents. However, sometimes these facilities fail to do so. When this happens, residents are abused and neglected. Knowing how to identify elder abuse and neglect is only the first step as you also need to know what to do if you suspect it is occurring. Speaking with the facility’s administrators, reporting your suspicions to the proper agency, and consulting with an elder abuse attorney are all important steps that you should take once you realize elder abuse and neglect is taking place.