What To Do If You Suspect Nursing Home Abuse

    JERSEY CITY, NJ, February 02, 2012 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Nursing homes have a responsibility to provide high quality care and a safe living environment to all of their residents. Unfortunately, these responsibilities are often not fulfilled, causing thousands of elderly people to become the victim of nursing home abuse every year.

If you suspect that your loved one has been the victim of nursing home abuse or neglect, there are several actions you can take to protect your loved one and ensure a safer living environment moving forward. If possible, try to move your loved one to a different facility. However, if this cannot be done, there are still some important steps you can take to prevent the abuse from continuing.

Visit Frequently

The best thing you can do is to visit your loved one as often as possible. This lets the nursing home staff know that you are taking an active interest in the safety and well-being of your loved one. It is best to visit unannounced and vary the time of day you are at the nursing home. This will make it more likely that you will see how your loved one is cared for on a typical day, and it will help you assess the difference in quality of care when different staff members are working.

While you are visiting, voice your concerns to the nurses, aides, and nursing home director. You can also talk to the social worker at the facility.

Call All Appropriate State Agencies

Call your local ombudsman. Your ombudsman can help provide you with resources to get you the help your loved one needs. It is important to understand that most ombudsman programs do not have the ability to directly address the issues with your loved one's care. However, they can be a valuable resource for you as you fight for your loved one's rights.

You can also call your state survey agency. Every state has a division of the State Department of Health that is dedicated to overseeing the care administered by nursing homes making sure all regulations are enforced. This agency can conduct an investigation of the facility to determine whether the nursing home is violating any regulations.

You should file a complaint with Licensing and Certification. This agency must investigate your complaint, and if they find evidence supporting it, they can issue citations, impose fines, and require the nursing home to rectify the situation.

Start Gathering Evidence

Keep documented records of any evidence of nursing home abuse. This may include:

- Pictures of bruises, cuts, or other injuries
- Evidence of physical trauma
- Evidence of dressings that are not changed in a timely manner
- Evidence of signs of neglect, such as dirty undergarments, poor hygiene, or malnutrition

Always write down the time and date of your visit when you gather evidence. If you witness any abusive actions while you are visiting, take detailed notes of the incident, and record the names and contact information of other residents who are present.

Contact a Nursing Home Abuse Attorney

Consult with an experienced nursing home abuse attorney in your area. You may be entitled to file a claim against the facility and any negligent staff members who have inflicted harm on your loved one. A nursing home abuse lawsuit can provide your loved one with compensation for damages, and it can help ensure their rights are protected moving forward.

By taking action against a negligent nursing home, you are not only protecting your loved one. You are also taking steps to ensure that others do not become victim to similar abuse in the future.

For more information about nursing home abuse, please visit the website of the Law Offices of Anthony Carbone, serving clients in Jersey City and Newark, New Jersey at www.anthonycarbonepc.com.

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