When family members entrust the care of their loved one to a nursing home facility, they expect that their relative will be well cared for and treated with love, respect, and dignity. Unfortunately, nursing home abuse is an all too common reality in today’s world. If your loved one has become the victim of such mistreatment at the hands of clinic staff or other residents, it can be difficult to know how best to proceed.
In this blog post, we will guide you through some important steps you should take if your loved one has been subjected to this kind of neglect or violence, so that you can help ensure their safety and wellbeing are upheld during this traumatic time.
Recognize the Signs of Nursing Home Abuse
Recognizing the signs of nursing home abuse is an essential part of protecting our loved ones from harm. Knowing the usual indicators of elder neglect and mistreatment can enable us to take action in a timely manner before the situation escalates. Common indicators include:
- Physical injuries
- Changes in behavior
- inexperienced or unprofessional care providers
- Unsanitary living conditions
- Signs of mental distress or agitation
- Abrupt changes to wills or financial situations
If any of these signs are present in your loved one's environment, it is very important to speak up and address the issue right away. Do not hesitate to reach out for help.
Document Your Findings
Documenting any evidence related to nursing home abuse allows for the appropriate authorities to investigate the situation and take action.
Writing down dates and times, documenting conversations with staff, and taking pictures of any physical wounds or suspicious items can provide important facts that help clarify what is happening. With these details in hand, you can ensure that your loved one receives the justice they deserve. It also helps protect other residents from future victimization.
Reach Out to Other Family Members and Friends
If you suspect your loved one is the victim of nursing home abuse, it's important to reach out to any other family members or friends who may have noticed as well. Knowing that you're not alone can provide a sense of comfort as you navigate through this difficult time. Discussing the situation with other people who are likely concerned about your loved one's wellbeing can also help bring further clarity.
Talking amongst yourselves gives you an opportunity to share new information and gives everyone a voice when deciding how best to move forward. Reach out for support in any way possible. Having the backing of others will give you strength and hope during those hard moments.
Seek Legal Guidance from a Lawyer Specializing in Elder Law
Taking care of the wellbeing of a loved one is of the utmost importance, so protecting them from nursing home abuse should be a priority. If your family member has been a victim of a facility’s neglect and mistreatment, consulting an experienced lawyer specializing in elder law is vital as they will be able to help bring justice to your case.
At Belushin Law Firm, P.C., our expert nursing home abuse lawyers will assess any evidence you might have, provide legal advice tailored to your particular situation, and, if necessary, represent you in court, so that your loved one may receive the restitution they deserve.
To learn more about Belushin Law Firm, P.C., check out our case results and read our reviews.
Give us a call at (888) 918-9890 or reach out to us online today for a free, no-obligation consultation with our experienced nursing home abuse lawyers in Brooklyn.