What to Do if You Suspect Nursing Home Abuse

When you admit your loved one into a nursing home, you expect the facility to provide quality care so your family members can enjoy their golden years while receiving the care they need. Sadly, abuse and neglect do happen in nursing homes and when they do, it is devastating for residents and their family members. If you suspect that your loved one is the victim of abuse or neglect, there are some important steps to take. Below, our Tampa nursing home abuse attorney explains what these are.

Understand the Signs of Nursing Home Abuse 

Before you take action to stop nursing home abuse, you must first understand the signs to look for. The most common of these are as follows:

• Bed sores
• Soiled clothing or sheets
• Bruises
• Poor hygiene
• Anxiety or depression
• Weight loss
• Changes in behavior or mood
• Emotional withdrawal

Generally speaking, any worrying change in behavior, personality, or appearance can indicate nursing home abuse.

Collect Evidence of Suspected Abuse 

After noticing signs of neglect or abuse, it is critical that you document it. Take pictures and videos of unsanitary living conditions, your loved one’s injuries, and anything else that can prove mistreatment. If your loved one can, also ask them to speak about the abuse and what happened. Many nursing home residents also witness abuse, so you can speak to fellow residents and ask if they have seen anything.

Discuss Your Concerns with Staff Members 

Before taking any official action, you should ask staff members about unexplained or sudden injuries, unsanitary living conditions, and other alarming signs you have noticed. If the staff member cannot provide you with a reasonable explanation, they become defensive, or say they cannot discuss your loved one’s care with you, it may be an additional sign that abuse is occurring. You should also speak with the nursing home administrator. If you suspect a specific staff member of committing the abuse or neglect, they may face disciplinary action, which can prevent the abuse from happening to anyone else.

Report the Abuse to the Authorities 

Reporting the abuse to the appropriate authorities can also prevent other residents from experiencing abuse or neglect. You can report the wrongdoing to police, or to Adult Protective Services. Reporting the suspected abuse to police is particularly important if you need assistance removing your loved one from the facility. You can also contact the Florida Department of Elder Affairs. These agencies will investigate the case, determine if abuse or neglect is occurring, and take disciplinary action, if necessary.

Call Our Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer in Tampa 

If you suspect your loved one is suffering from abuse or neglect, it is essential that you obtain legal advice from a Tampa nursing home abuse lawyer. At Kohn Law, our experienced attorney can investigate the situation, determine if your loved one is being mistreated, and help your family obtain the full and fair compensation that you deserve. Call us today at 813-428-8504 or chat with us online to request a consultation with our seasoned attorney and to learn more about how we can help with your case.

Source:

leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0400-0499/0400/0400.html