It is an important job to make sure that aged individuals in nursing homes are safe and sound. Too often, though, the elderly are not treated well when they live in nursing homes. Instead, some of these homes (or the people who work in them) may take advantage of the elderly by being abusive and neglectful.
If you have any inkling that a nursing home is being abusive or neglectful, you should report that nursing home to the proper authorities immediately.
In addition, it would be wise to consult with a legal expert in nursing home abuse, such as Jonathan Steele from Steele Law Firm. With their help, we put together this helpful guide on identifying and handling elder mistreatment and abuse.
Table of Contents
How to Report Suspected Nursing Home Abuse
Step 1: Recognize the Signs of Abuse
- Injuries that cannot be explained (bruises, cuts, burns)
- Behavioral changes that occur suddenly (withdrawal, anxiety, depression)
- Inadequate cleanliness or insufficient nutrition
- Mysterious money transfers
- Bedsores or infections
- Being afraid of staff members
Step 2: Document the Evidence
Before making a report, ensure that you have collected all necessary information and are well informed on the matter at hand. This includes gathering as much data as possible, and then some. You should have your facts clearly laid out and accessible before you put together a report.
- The name of the resident being mistreated
- Times and dates of suspected events
- If it is feasible, include pictures of the wounds or dirty conditions
- Victim or other eyewitness accounts
Step 3: Report to Nursing Home Administration
Numerous nursing facilities have established internal processes to manage claims of abuse. If you suspect a nursing home resident is being abused, notify the facility’s administrator, director of nursing, or other ranking supervisor.
Ask for a written account of what was done, and then make sure to follow up with the facility on any action taken. Nursing homes must also report the allegations to local law enforcement.
Step 4: Contact the Appropriate Authorities
Should the problem persist or be extensive, notify outside organizations such as:
- Adult Protective Services (APS)
- State Licensing Agencies
- Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program
- Local Law Enforcement
Step 5: Seek Legal Help if Necessary
Sometimes it is crucial to involve legal help to get an aging loved one out of harm’s way. This is especially true in situations of severe harm or neglect. Elder law attorneys like Jonathan Steele from Steele Law Firm can help you take necessary actions that might have otherwise been too daunting or complex to handle alone.
If You Believe Your Elderly Loved One Is Being Mistreated, Contact Jonathan Steele from Steele Law Firm Immediately
Elder abuse in nursing homes is an urgent problem. Yet too many people wait too long to deal with it. If you see something, say something. Go ahead and document the evidence that backs up your initial claim.
And remember that even without hard proof, just being concerned enough to follow up with management or local authorities could help prevent a dangerous person or entity from continuing to operate undetected.
