Your Rights If Your Senior Loved One Is Being Abused
The last thing you expect when you place your senior loved one in a nursing home is for them to be the victim of abuse. Unfortunately, nursing home abuse is widespread and can result in serious injury or even death. If you suspect nursing home abuse, you need to act quickly to protect your loved one.
At Schlachman, Belsky, Weiner & Davey, P.A., we know how devastating it can be to find out that your loved one is unsafe at the nursing home where they reside. We work tirelessly to hold negligent nursing homes and their staff accountable for their wrongdoing. If you suspect that your loved one is being abused at a nursing home, contact our office at (410) 505-7542 to schedule a free consultation.
Common Signs of Nursing Home Abuse
As our loved ones age and require specialized care, nursing homes often become a necessary and trusted option for ensuring their well-being. However, instances of nursing home abuse and neglect unfortunately do occur, making it crucial for family members and caregivers to be vigilant and aware of the warning signs.
Recognizing these signs early can help prevent further harm and ensure that residents receive the care and protection they deserve.
- Unexplained Injuries
- Bedsores
- Weight Loss
- Changes in Personal Hygiene
- Withdrawal
- Depression
- Changes in Behavior
Being aware of these common signs of nursing home abuse is not paranoia– it is essential for protecting the well-being and safety of your elderly loved ones.
If you suspect that a loved one is experiencing abuse or neglect in a nursing home, it is crucial to take immediate action by reporting your concerns to the appropriate authorities and seeking legal advice from experienced elder abuse attorneys. Every person deserves to live with dignity and respect.
What You Should Do If You Suspect Nursing Home Abuse
If you believe that your senior loved one is being abused or neglected at the nursing home where they reside, you need to act fast to protect them. In some cases, the abuse can be severe, resulting in life-threatening harm. Reporting the abuse and removing your loved one from the home can prove critical.
If you suspect nursing home abuse, you should:
- Visit your relative. Being proactive is often key to ensuring that your loved one remains safe. If you suspect abuse, you should visit the nursing home frequently. Ask other residents about their experience, and speak to staff about any concerns you may have. If your concerns are not immediately addressed, or the abuse is pervasive, you need to take action.
- Document the abuse. Take pictures and videos documenting the abuse. Keep a detailed journal of anyone that you spoke to about your abuse or neglect concerns and what was done about them.
- Call the police. If your loved one is in immediate danger, you need to call local law enforcement to ensure that there is no further harm.
- Report the abuse. All suspected nursing home abuse or neglect should be reported to the appropriate authorities. It is suspected that abuse in nursing homes is widely underreported. Many residents are afraid to come forward out of fear of retaliation. In order to stop the abuse, people must be willing to tell their stories.
- Contact a nursing home abuse lawyer. If your senior loved one suffered abuse or neglect at the nursing home where they reside, you should consult with an attorney as soon as possible. An attorney can help make sure that the abuse is reported to the correct agencies and that any liable parties are held accountable for their wrongdoing.
If you suspect that your loved one is not safe at the nursing home or living facility where they reside, you need to consider taking legal action. Far too many nursing homes put profits over patients leading to substandard care of their residents. Reporting the abuse can help protect your loved one and prevent further abuse.
Contact Our Office for a Free Consultation
Do you suspect that your loved one is being abused at a nursing home? Reach out to Schlachman, Belsky, Weiner & Davey, P.A. to request a free consultation with one of our experienced personal injury attorneys.
There are no fees unless we win. Call now to speak directly with a skilled nursing home lawyer today.
