According to the World Health Organization, approximately one out of every six people aged 60 or above will be exploited, abused, or neglected in some way. Most of these cases are never even reported.
Most abuse and neglect occur behind closed doors, and family members may be unable to identify the signs. They may assume that the changes are simply part of aging. If you believe something is not right with your loved one, you should take action as soon as possible. This article highlights some actions to take if your loved one is a victim of abuse at their nursing home.
Document Everything
Details are very important when trying to prove nursing home abuse. You should begin to create a record of everything that you think may indicate abuse. You can take pictures of the following.
Photos of unsafe conditions or physical injuries
Copies of medical records and prescriptions
The dates and times of incidents
Names of staff members involved
Written statements from witnesses or other residents
Notes about unusual behavior or conversations
Even the smallest details can help establish a pattern over time. You do not need to become an investigator overnight; simply writing things down can help resolve the situation.
Talk to an Experienced Attorney
There are many situations where filing a lawsuit against a nursing home and holding it accountable for its actions may be necessary. You may be entitled to compensation for medical charges, relocation, or emotional damages resulting from abuse.
Hiring an attorney who is familiar with elder abuse cases can help you navigate the process. They can explain factors that impact your nursing home case value, including the severity of injuries sustained, what long-term medical issues will arise from the abuse, and the type of emotional distress the victim has suffered.
Stay Involved
Whether your loved one stays at the facility or moves to another, it is important to continue to be involved in their life. This includes visiting regularly, staying in contact, and becoming an active participant in care decisions.
Your involvement in their life can reduce the chances of future mistreatment. It lets your loved one know they are not going through this by themselves. It also makes it easy to notice when something feels off.
Reporting Abuse Promptly
Families often fail to report nursing home abuse out of fear of being wrong or being singled out by the abuser. The only way to prevent further abuse is through reports. You can report abuse to the facility's administration, Adult Protective Services, or law enforcement.
Keep your report factual and submit any documentation that you have collected regarding the incident. Clear documentation enhances investigation and demonstrates your seriousness about the case.
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