Placing your mom or dad in a long-term care facility is challenging. Finding out that those caregivers are abusing your relative is devastating. After the shock of abuse, it can be challenging to know how to proceed.
If someone mistreated your parent in their nursing home, take steps to protect them.
Do not delay in emergencies
Reporting an institution through the appropriate channels is a necessity. But an investigation can take months and will not provide a prompt solution. If you feel your parent is in immediate physical danger, do not delay. Call 911 to attend to senior citizens in trouble.
Take photos of physical injuries
If your loved one was visibly hurt, take pictures to support their claims. Your relative may seek compensation for their pain and suffering, so everything should be well documented for any future litigation. Keep all records from the incident and their entire time in the nursing home’s care.
File a formal complaint with the proper authorities
Once your parent is in a safe location, you want to hold the nursing home responsible. The problem could be systemic, or it could be the actions of a single individual. Inform the Illinois Department of Public Health of any wrongdoing. They will record and investigate your complaint using the state’s official procedures. Log all interactions with state officials, and keep your legal team apprised of your situation.
Everyone deserves to live out their life with dignity. Report eldercare abuse and help give them, and others, the lives they have earned.
