Keeping A Senior Safe From Nursing Home Abuse
There are many situations that may warrant removing a senior loved one from a nursing home, especially if there are signs of neglect and/or abuse. The prevalence of nursing home abuse is more than what we want to imagine, and so if we notice signs that something isn’t quite right, then we have to listen to that. Most nursing homes are equipped with the staff and doctors needed to provide a quality of care for elderly residents. However, consider the fact that one in every three seniors living at a care facility is likely to experience mistreatment. And because many residents may be too fearful to come forward in the first place, the occurrence rate may be even higher than that.
What can I do if I suspect nursing home abuse?
If you believe that your senior loved one is being abused in a nursing home facility, then you must act as soon as possible. As a lawyer for Montana elder law from Silverman Law Office, PLLC may warn, the situation may escalate quickly without intervention from family, lawyers, and law enforcement. Signs of nursing home abuse must be taken seriously, and any changes with the senior’s care, medical conditions, or personality should not be discounted. Signs of nursing home abuse are listed as follows:
- Refusing help from specific staff members or doctors
- Seeming afraid or nervous in their demeanor
- WIthdrawing from socializing with family or other residents
- Unexplained injuries or new conditions
- Visible wounds, bruises, cuts, restraint marks
- Unkempt appearance and living space
- Unexplained bank transactions
- Sudden alterations to estate plan documents
- Incidents of mood swings or personality changes
In what ways does nursing home abuse happen?
Nursing home abuse can take on many forms. Those living in a senior facility may be vulnerable to financial exploitation, sexual assault, physical harm, emotional manipulation, verbal threats, and more. Ensure that your loved one is safe by visiting often and being involved in their care. If the standards are below what you think should be offered to your loved one then removing them from the facility may be needed. Discuss with your relative how and to what extent they have been neglected or harmed. But keep in mind that some may be too afraid to be honest, and you may have to rely on other signs or symptoms to determine what may be going on. Talk with the facility administrators about your worries, as they should have a report and grievance resolution process that you can follow.
As a family member who is worried about their senior loved one, with help from a lawyer, such as a team member from Silverman Law Office, PLLC, there are steps you can take to protect them right now. You may have to file a complaint with the appropriate state agency if the response from the facility is inadequate. Intervention with support from a lawyer, law enforcement, and other family members can get the senior person somewhere safe where they will no longer be a victim to harm.