Steps to Take If You Suspect Nursing Home Abuse

November 17, 2017

While a large percentage of nursing homes will take great care of your loved one, there is always a huge risk when admitting someone you care about to one of these homes.

So what happens if you begin to suspect potential abuse? The greatest matter to note about nursing home abuse is that is should never be ignored or brushed off. If you have even the slightest suspicion of abuse, you need to take steps in order to get it handled immediately. Odds are, if your loved one is experiencing abuse, so are others.

So what should you do if you suspect abuse?

Document

Be sure to note any action or sign that may point to abuse. This could appear in many different ways. If your loved one is still coherent enough to explain any situation, be sure to ask about it to get the full story. Be sure to ask point-blank if your loved one feels neglected or abused by any of the staff. However, also be sensitive to the fact that your loved one may not feel comfortable talking about it, and it is important to respect that.

It is also important to document any suspicious marking on your loved one with pictures. Be sure that you document any bruise or cut, and if your loved one is willing and able to talk, be sure to document the story in writing of how the injury occurred.

Handle It Internally

Many times, the managers of a nursing home do not have any idea about the signs of abuse you may be witnessing from the staff. It is important to make this known to them so that they can handle it appropriately. With this said, it is important to remain calm and professional in these situations and conversations. Address your concerns with the nursing home management and allow them to handle the issue internally.

However, note that if you believe that a resident’s life may be in imminent danger, you should call 911 immediately.

Go External

If you see no improvement after addressing your concerns to the nursing home management, it may be time to step out of the internal realm of the home and involve a state agency. Every state has an Adult Protective Care Service that will act to investigate any potential sign of abuse. Provide this agency with your complaint, along with any documentation collected.

Take Legal Action

Once you begin to branch beyond the internal system of the nursing home, you may also consider contacting a lawyer trained in this specific area. An attorney can gather evidence to support your case and work with you to make sure your loved one’s rights are protected.

Help from an Indiana Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer

If you suspect your loved one is being abused at their nursing home, it can be difficult to determine who you can trust. An experienced Indiana nursing home abuse lawyer can help. Call Hensley Legal Group today or contact us online for a free consultation.