The key to preventing nursing home abuse is in the selection process of a care facility and careful monitoring of the care being given to your loved one residing in the facility.
1
Research the facility carefully.
Thoroughly research the facility by using Nursing Home Compare at www.medicare.gov and by contacting your state regulatory agency for inspection reports about the facility. Visit the facility personally. Speak with residents in the facility and their family members.
2
Monitor the care being given to your loved one.
Visit the residence frequently and at different times of the day and different days of the week. Observe care providers assisting your loved one. Talk with your loved one about how they feel about the facility and the care they are receiving.
3
Watch for signs of abuse
Families of nursing home residents need to be watchful for signs of physical, emotional and sexual abuse and neglect. Family members should look for unexplained bruises, lacerations, bone fractures, open wounds, sprains, broken eyeglasses, sudden changes in behavior by the resident, unexplained vaginal or anal bleeding, unexplained sexually transmitted diseases, emotional upset and agitation, withdrawn and non-communicative behavior, untreated bed sores, unsanitary living conditions, poor personal hygiene, and unexplained weight loss, among other signs and symptoms.
4
Reporting nursing home abuse
Concerns about nursing home abuse and neglect should first be brought to the attention of the nursing home administrator or director of nursing. In addition complaints of nursing home abuse and neglect can be made to your state's Long Term Care Ombudsman or your state's regulatory agency.
5
Consult a personal injury lawyer.
If you are concerned that your loved one has been abused or neglected, consult with a personal injury lawyer. For more information, visit www.atlantapersonalinjurylawfirm.net.
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