When it comes to protecting your family, you do everything you can. Moving them to a nursing home can be a great decision that can ensure that they get the assistance they need to live a healthy life. However, sometimes nursing home neglect and abuse happens, and knowing what to do afterward can go a long way in ensuring your loved one gets the compensation they deserve.
Know the Kinds of Neglect
Unfortunately, nursing home neglect happens all too often. Knowing the different kinds of neglect that your loved one may be experiencing can help to formulate their case. There are four main types of neglect that your loved one may experience. These include medical, emotional, personal hygiene, and basic needs.
Report the Neglect
If you’ve discovered that your loved one has been neglected at a nursing home, then you should report the neglect to the police. This immediate action will help to stop the abuse and ensure your loved one is transferred to a different facility. If you’re not completely sure that neglect has taken place, talking with a personal injury lawyer can help. They can work with you to discover whether or not neglect or even abuse has taken place.
The Investigation Process
For non-urgent complaints, the Adult Protective Services agency can be contacted. Each state has their own offices that you can contact about nursing home neglect. They’ll evaluate your complaint and then contact a social service worker in your area. This social service worker will then address the rest of the complaint and the nursing home.
Hire an Elder Abuse Attorney
When you discover that a loved one has been abused or neglected at a nursing home, then you should contact a local elder abuse attorney. This attorney will ensure that the investigative process is done correctly and give you guidance to responding to the case of neglect or abuse. Your attorney will be there to ensure that the legal rights of your loved ones are taken care of and assist you in taking legal action against the nursing home if you decide to do so.
Handling a nursing home neglect or abuse case can be overwhelming. Understanding the process above can better help to prepare you for the road ahead. Remember that your elderly loved one has rights and they shouldn’t be violated by anyone, especially the nursing home that you entrusted their physical and emotional care too.
Brooke Chaplan is a freelance writer and blogger. She lives and works out of her home in Los Lunas, New Mexico. She loves the outdoors and spends most of her time hiking, biking, and gardening. For more information, contact Brooke via Facebook at facebook.com/brooke.chaplan or Twitter @BrookeChaplan
