When you place your loved one in a nursing home, you expect quality care which you are unable to provide to them. However, if you suspect any nursing home mistreatment or abuse, it is important to take action quickly to protect the rights of your loved one. Here are some steps you can take.
Consult an Experienced Lawyer
Your loved ones are always entitled to protection and compensation while they are in a nursing home. You are also entitled to compensation if anything happens to them depending on your relationship. Once they are abused or neglected, it is crucial to contact a personal injury attorney who is experienced and licensed in nursing homes abuse and you will be able to protect your loved one legally. Reporting this abuse is a wise decision because, in some nursing homes, they are too common.
Communicate With Your Loved One
After your suspect the abuse, you should consult your loved one privately. They will be open to you once you show love and care. Understand all the decisions they have made to survive with that abuse and don’t lose your temper. If the staff doesn’t allow the communication, you can seek advice from your lawyer.
Conduct an Investigation
It is important to investigate and get the evidence before reporting. Your loved one can help in investigating by gathering information and taking pictures if the abuse includes injuries or worse conditions. They can also talk to other victims if this is something in that nursing home.
Consult The Staffs
Before taking legal action against the nursing home, bring your concern to the staff and ask what you perceive to be abuse or mistreatment. They should be able to answer every question until you are satisfied. Sometimes, you can be misinterpreting the situation so just pay attention to them. But in case they are unwilling to explain, then you look into it in a more formal way to make sure your loved one is in good hands.
Remove The Loved One from The Facility
If the conditions worsen and the nursing home does not take any action, you may transfer your loved one to another facility to continue getting better treatment and proper care. Before choosing another facility, do some research about it to avoid the same occurrence in the future.
Report The Abuse
If you have a shred of clear evidence, you can call the police immediately. They will intervene and ensure that other patients and residents are protected under the law. If you have done some deeper investigations, you can assist the police with all the details.
Final Thoughts!
There are many nursing home cases of abuse like sexual abuse, neglects, physical violence, financial abuse, and medication mistakes among others. You are the only person who can help your loved one out of these situations. Pay attention to them; try to ask questions on how they are recovering and day to day activities that happens in the facility. You can also consult their caregiver on any situation.