Protect Your Loved One from Nursing Home Abuse

Older adults have the right to pursue legal action when they suffer harm resulting from inadequate care. You may not know the next steps when you suspect your senior relative is a victim of nursing home neglect or abuse.

Understanding the types of abuse can help you protect your loved one and recover compensation.

Neglect

When the staff at a senior facility fails to provide proper medical care, your friend or family member can suffer emotional and physical damage. Some examples of possible neglect include:

• Extended periods without supervision

• Unaddressed physical complaints

• Malnutrition, dehydration or significant weight loss

• Failure to report health concerns to family members

• Lack of personal hygiene care

• Errors with medication administration

Physical Abuse

Bodily abuse may be a concern if your senior relative has frequent bruising, bleeding or broken bones. This kind of harm can severely affect your loved one’s health, resulting in possible long-term trauma or death. Abuse can occur due to staffing shortages, poor training procedures or insufficient monitoring. You can protect your family member by reporting the abuse and taking legal action.

Psychological Abuse

If care workers frequently threaten, demean or insult your loved one, it can result in long-term anxiety, depression or post-traumatic stress disorders. Ensure you can see and speak with your loved one often, as staff may actively isolate a resident from family or friends to exercise increased control.

Resident rights

Older adults in long-term care facilities have many legal rights, including the right to information about care services and changes. They have the right to receive proper medical and personal care and actively participate in treatment decisions.

Understanding your senior relative’s rights can help you to safeguard them and recover financial compensation.