How can I tell if someone is treated properly in a nursing home?

When we entrust the care of our elderly loved ones to a nursing home, we expect they will be treated well. It is our right and the right of our loved one to expect a reasonable standard of care. Sadly, there are times when this trust is misplaced. Nursing home negligence occurs, by definition, when nursing home staff fails to exercise proper care. Unfortunately, this type of neglect happens far too frequently across the United States and careful consideration must be given when selecting the right nursing home.

The first step in identifying if your loved one is experiencing elder abuse in the nursing home is to recognize the possible signs. Being educated on the signs of this neglect is crucial in early identification and intervention. One sign of neglect is bedsores, which can happen if a person who is unable to move properly is left in the same position for too long a period. Other identifying issues to watch for are unexplained fractures, cuts or bruises; sudden weight loss or infections that could be caused by a resident’s needs not being addressed promptly, such as the need to use the bathroom.

Thankfully, laws are in place to protect your loved one from neglect and abuse. Once you’ve identified that there may be neglect taking place, it is important to take every measure possible to intervene and prevent it from continuing. This may require that you obtain legal advice.

There are significant expenses involved in nursing home care, especially the amount you pay for that very care each year. If your loved one experiences nursing home injuries or medical issues as a result of nursing home neglect, these expenses increase rapidly. By obtaining experienced legal counsel, you can stop the abuse and hold those responsible accountable.