How Nursing Homes Hide Abuse/Neglect
Nursing home abuse/neglect happens all too often in Florida, and throughout the rest of the country. Many nursing home facilities in the Sunshine State genuinely care about their residents and want to take the best care of them. Unfortunately, others look for shortcuts that result in harm to the residents, or they outright abuse/neglect them. It seems logical for family members that suspect abuse/neglect to take their concerns to the manager or owner of the nursing home. In fact, this is one of the first steps to take when abuse/neglect is suspected.
Still, there is a chance the nursing home will take action, or has already taken action, to cover up the abuse/neglect and prevent ramifications. All loved ones of a nursing home resident should know what coverup tactics a home may use, and who to call for help.
Shifting the Blame to the Patient
One tactic that is very commonly used is that the nursing home staff will shift the blame to the patient. For example, a family member may notice bruises and other indications of physical abuse/neglect and ask a staff member about it. The staff member may then say the patient fell when going to the bathroom, potentially eliminating the chance that they will face consequences for the abuse/neglect.
Refusing to Use the Chart Properly
Any time a nursing home resident becomes injured or otherwise harmed, staff members should include it in the patient’s chart. When abuse/neglect is occurring, staff members may simply omit the information from the chart, or they may include it but another person changes the information so no one else finds out about the abuse/neglect.
Threatening Patients
The residents within a nursing home are often frail, have a diminished cognitive capacity, and are scared to speak out any abuse/neglect they have experienced. Nursing home staff members know this and so, when they abuse/neglect a patient, they will sometimes threaten the patient with harm if they speak out about the abuse/neglect. For example, after a staff member unlawfully restrains a resident and leaves marks on their wrist. After the incident, they may threaten them with the possibility of not allowing them to see their family members for a visit.
Our Florida Nursing Home Abuse/Neglect Lawyer can Help with Your Case
Nursing homes are very good at covering up when abuse/neglect has taken place. This is one reason why you should always speak to a Tampa nursing home abuse/neglect lawyer any time you suspect it is occurring. At Kohn Law, we can determine if abuse/neglect is occurring, collect the necessary evidence to support your claim, and negotiate for the fair damages you and your loved one needs. Call us today at (813) 428-8504 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation and to learn how we can help.
http://www.kohnlawcares.com/living-in-fear-of-nursing-home-retaliation/
