Personal Injury Lawyer

Unfortunately, a nursing home abuse lawyer can safely say that abuse and neglect in these facilities is too common. There are a number of ways in which abuse can occur, and sometimes it may go on for years before it is recognized. For this reason it is important to pay close attention to your elderly loved one and any signs or symptoms that may indicate something being not right. 

Steps to Take When You Suspect Abuse

Determine the Type of Neglect or Abuse, and Decide Whether or Not they Are in Imminent Danger

First and foremost, if you believe your loved one is in danger, for example he or she is a continual victim of physical abuse, you should call 911, and have them removed from the facility. As soon as this is done, please call a nursing home abuse lawyer. 

If your loved one is not in any real danger, but you believe they are not being treated properly, you may want to take them to the ER just to ensure their health isn’t at risk. From this point, you can proceed with the following. 

Report Your Concern

If you believe your elder is being mistreated, abused, or neglected, you should talk about your concerns with the supervisor administration. As a nursing home abuse lawyer, we would recommend that you do your best to remain calm and be detailed. If you find this goes nowhere, you may need to proceed with talking to someone above their level. The nursing home administrator has a duty to discuss with residents or family members about any concerns, and this should proceed with a written complaint. 

File an Official Complaint/Report

If you are able to substantiate your concerns, or when it is obvious that abuse is taking place, you should proceed to report what is happening to your state government agencies. When you do this, they have to investigate the case. It is certainly possible that if you have good cause to believe abuse is happening, the nursing home will attempt to convince you not to take this step. It is advisable to ignore them. If they give you any problems with this, call a nursing home abuse lawyer. 

Consider Taking Your Elderly Loved One Out of the Home

If you believe neglect or abuse is going on, it is recommended that you consider moving your loved one to a new facility. Yes, this might be difficult for your elderly loved one, especially if they have friends at the facility or do not cope with change well. However, it is important you think about their wellbeing. Bear in mind that you should take time to find a new facility, and be sure to review a home’s ratings on the Medicare website. 

Gather Evidence and Talk with a Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer

It is highly recommended that you document everything; for example:

• Take pictures
• Ensure your elderly loved one sees a doctor
• Write down any complaints
• Monitor what your loved one says and write it down
• Document who has cared for your loved one
• Get witness details

You should call a nursing home abuse attorney in Phoenix, AZ for further advice. They can help you with this process and ensure you understand your rights and what to expect. 

 

---

 

Thanks to Rispoli Law, PLLC for their insight into nursing home law and what to do if you suspect abuse.