When our parents or loved ones reach old age and we aren’t able to care for them ourselves, we put them in the care of professionally-run nursing homes. As such, we expect these nursing homes and assisted living centers to be of the highest quality, and staffed with caring, well-trained professionals.
Unfortunately, no elderly care center is perfect, and some may fail to provide the level of quality care and ease-of-mind we entrust to them. If you do find yourself in a situation where you suspect your loved one to be a victim of nursing home abuse, there are several things you can do.
First, you’ll want to take stock of the situation. Do you notice any of the most common warning signs?
Common Signs of Nursing Home Abuse or Neglect:
- Unexplained negative changes in emotion
- Bleeding
- Bruising
- Unexplained illness
- Strange financial transactions
- Failure of nursing home staff to abide by residents’ right to privacy
If you notice any of these things happening, the first thing you should do is talk to your loved one. Be aware though that some victims of abuse or neglect won’t disclose their situation for fear of retaliation or fear of being seen as a “complainer.” If this is the case, here’s how you should proceed.
Stay Calm
Avoid escalating the situation unless your loved one’s life is in immediate danger. Bring your concerns of abuse directly to the nursing home staff. If their explanation doesn’t meet your standards or fails to properly address your concerns, you’ll want to start documenting the situation.
Visit more frequently, get a real grasp on the situation, and gather intel.
Take Detailed Notes
If you suspect nursing home abuse is going on, one of the most helpful things you can do is collect evidence. Take photos or videos of injuries, unsatisfactory living conditions, or inappropriate staff behavior. Jot down any relevant information provided to you by your loved one or nursing home staff. If you are in a situation involving nursing home abuse, the evidence you collect can help win your case.
You’ve probably heard that you need “collateral” and unfortunately, that’s usually true. Every bit of evidence will play a significant role in the outcome of your case.
Call The Police
It is important to note that, if you believe your loved one’s life is in serious or immediate danger, do not hesitate to call 911. In extreme cases, police may be necessary to ensure the safety of nursing home residents.
As always, make sure to get copies of the police reports and anything else that occurs during this process.
Contact a Nursing Home Abuse Attorney
If your loved one is experiencing nursing home abuse, they are entitled to protection under the law. In cases like these, confronting the abusers can be emotionally taxing for you and for your loved one. That’s why it’s important to speak to a licensed nursing home abuse attorney who can help you report any abuse that’s happening and protect your loved one’s rights.
If you believe that you or a loved one has suffered from nursing home abuse, don’t hesitate to contact the Porcaro Law office for a free consultation. We’ll help you navigate your available options, and help you and your loved one gain the compensation you deserve.
Our attorney has 10+ years experience in this subject matter
We help victims in Delray Beach, Boca Raton, Boynton Beach, Deerfield Beach, West Palm Beach, Pompano Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Miami, and the South Florida area. For more information or to schedule your free consultation, please contact us today or give us a call at (561) 286-7561.
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