It is never an easy decision to place a loved on in a nursing facility. Families believe that their parents, grandparents, or spouses will be treated with dignity and respect in their older years. When that trust is broken, when signs of abuse and neglect begin to appear, it can leave families feeling angry, shocked, and unsure what to do.
It’s crucial to act immediately if you suspect elder abuse at a nursing facility. Knowing the signs, understanding your legal options and documenting your concerns can help protect your loved one.
What is considered elder abuse?
The abuse of elderly people in nursing homes may take several forms.
- Unknown bruises, fractures or cuts, or signs that you have been restrained.
- Neglect: Poor hygiene, malnutrition or dehydration.
- Emotional abuse is characterized by isolation, fearfulness, depression or sudden personality changes
- Financial exploitation: unusual withdrawals, missing items, or unexplained alterations to wills or account
- Sexual abuse: unexplained injuries, infections or behavioral changes around certain staff
Some signs are very obvious. Sometimes, the signs are subtle and can be easily dismissed as a sign of old age or illness. When something feels off, it’s important to pay attention.
Common warning signs to watch for
These are the red flags that most often get reported:
- Unusual or repeated injuries with unclear explanations
- Staff members refusing or delaying visits
- Your loved one is suddenly withdrawn or afraid
- Lack of staff or poor facility hygiene
- Rapid health decline without clear medical cause
- Overmedication or signs that you are being heavily sedated
- Reports of confusion or dementia dismissed by the resident
Of course, not all injuries are abuse. Accidents can happen and certain illnesses progress rapidly. It’s better to ask the difficult questions rather than ignore abuse or neglect.
What to do if you suspect abuse
Call 911 immediately if you think a loved-one is in immediate danger. There are several things you can do in non-emergency circumstances:
- Document Everything
Keep a record of all concerns. Include photos, dates and written descriptions of the injuries. Also, include names of employees involved. Documentation can be crucial if you need to take legal action later. - Speak up
Speak to the administrator of the nursing home. Ask for incident reports and explanations. Ask for more information if the answers given are vague or dismissive. You can also request to speak with an on-staff medical professional if they refuse. - Report Abuse
Florida Abuse Hotline: Report elder abuse in nursing home to Department of Children and Families. Similar reporting systems exist in other states. - You can get a medical evaluation
Have your loved ones evaluated by a doctor or specialist if something is not right. A thorough examination may reveal injuries or neglect that are not immediately apparent. - Explore Your Legal Options
Victims or their families of abuse in nursing homes may be entitled to compensation. Legal action may also be used to bring attention to systemic problems in a facility, and help prevent other people from experiencing similar treatment.
Why swift action is important
Time matters in elder abuse cases. Evidence can disappear very quickly, not only to protect your loved ones from further harm but also to prevent them from being harmed. Injury heals, records are lost or altered, and memories fade. Early action helps to preserve facts and strengthens future legal cases.
Even in facilities that are highly rated, elder abuse can occur. It’s possible for neglectful people, inadequate staffing or poor training to slip through. It is important to stay involved and observe.
Closing Thoughts
It’s incredibly upsetting to learn that someone you love may have been injured in an area meant to protect him or her. You’re not helpless. You can protect your family member and possibly others by recognizing signs of abuse, speaking out, and taking action.
Your instincts are usually right. Ask questions. Know that you have choices.
This post was written by a professional at Jeanette Secor, PA Attorney At Law.
For over 20 years, the law office of Jeanette Secor, PA in St. Petersburg, FL, has been the go-to choice for those seeking justice after an injury. Renowned as best slip and fall attorneys St petersburg Fl, Jeanette Secor has a proven track record of successfully representing clients in car accidents, motorcycle accidents, and slip-and-fall incidents.