What To Do if You Suspect Nursing Home Abuse
Record Your Treatment Observations
If you suspect your loved one is a victim of nursing home neglect, its important to write down your observations and reasons for suspicion. Record the date and time and accurately describe the treatment at issue. Document your loved one’s day to day condition. Record communications with the primary care provider, nurses, and nursing home administrators. By keeping an accurate ledger you will be able to better monitor your loved ones progress and steps the facility has taken (or failed to take) to treat them. Additionally, in the event that you need to bring a claim for neglect or abuse, accurate notes by a family member who witnessed the neglectful care may be essential in proving the case.
Ask the Nursing Home Staff Questions
If you suspect that the nursing home is neglecting a loved one, you should ask questions to the nurses and staff directly involved in the resident’s care. If the nursing home cannot or will not provide a satisfactory explanation, or the resident’s condition does not improve or worsens, you should file a complaint with the state agency responsible for monitoring nursing home care. You may also consider removing the resident from the nursing home.
In cases where the neglect has resulted in injury, you should also contact an experienced nursing home lawyer to discuss your legal options.
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