Families who move their loved ones into nursing homes expect them to receive proper support. The demands of their own families and careers can prevent them from providing the support an aging adult requires for health and safety.
Most people living in nursing homes receive appropriate support, but some of them experience abuse or neglect while living in a nursing home. How can concerned family members address nursing home neglect or abuse?
Keep written records
As soon as family members start worrying about the possibility of neglect or abuse in a long-term care facility, they need to start gathering evidence. Keeping written records of disclosures made by a loved one and any issues noted by family members who visit can help substantiate claims of abuse. For example, keeping notes of when bedsores develop and how the nursing home treats them can help prove later that the facility did not maintain a professional care standard as it should.
Visit at unpredictable times
When gathering documentation of unsatisfactory nursing home care, catching the workers off guard is often important. If they know that a particular resident’s family members always come after church on Sunday, they may adjust their care and cleaning practices accordingly. Visiting at unpredictable times without advance notice can help family members document what happens on a day-to-day basis.
Consult with an attorney
Once family members have reason to believe that a loved one has experienced neglect or abuse at a nursing home, they need to explore their options. In some cases, what occurred may be a clear violation of the law. Other times, it may represent a significant departure from best medical practices. In either situation, it may be possible to take legal action. A lawyer can help families explore different solutions based on the situation.
Communicate with management
As soon as family members have objective evidence of negligence or abuse, such as bruises, severe infections or records of financial abuse, they may need to address the matter with management at the nursing home. Advising them of what has transpired could result in an improvement in care standards at the facility.
Find better support
When a nursing home has failed to promptly address complaints about abuse or negligence, family members may need to begin preparing to remove a vulnerable adult from the facility. Helping them relocate to a different long-term care facility can prevent the situation from worsening.
After leaving a situation and therefore reducing the risk of retaliatory abuse, family members may then want to consider filing a lawsuit and possibly notifying regulatory authorities about the substandard care provided at a particular facility.
Being ready to react assertively when dealing with nursing home abuse or negligence can help families protect people when they are vulnerable. Nursing homes that mistreat residents or fail to meet their needs may be liable for the harm caused to vulnerable older adults.