The decision to place a loved one in a nursing home is a heart-wrenching decision, but it is a decision many of us have faced. When you realize your loved one needs 24/7 care and you can no longer do so, you may have no choice but to start searching for a long-term care facility.
Your first visit to a nursing home may be warm, friendly, and inviting. You may even leave there feeling like your loved one will receive the same care they receive at home. Unfortunately, this will likely not be the case. The truth is 2.1 million seniors are abused annually in one form or another in the United States, and that number is vastly underestimated. Many occurrences of elder abuse go unreported. 30% of nursing homes in the United States have been cited for abuse in a recent two-year period.
Nursing homes are full of overworked and underpaid employees with a high employee turnover rate. Unfortunately, these employees do not provide the gentle care that our loved ones deserve. Despite these heartbreaking statistics, many families have no choice, but to try to find the best nursing home possible for their aging family member.
Remember, there are things you can do to keep your loved ones safe in a nursing home:
- You must visit regularly.
- Constantly observe your loved one’s condition and make note of changes.
- Ask the staff a lot of questions when you’re there.
- Get to know other patients in the facility.
- Make your presence known.
The following are some common signs of nursing home abuse:
Physical Abuse
- Broken Bones
- Bruises
- Bloody Clothing
- Cuts
Emotional Abuse
- Sleep changes
- Personality changes, withdrawn or depressed
- Being scared or anxious
- Lack of self esteem
Neglect
- Weight loss
- Severe Bed Sores
- Dirty clothing and bed sheets
- Unclean living area
- Not receiving medications at all or in a timely manner
- Overly-medicated
Sexual Abuse
- Venereal disease diagnosis
- Blood around genital area and on undergarments
- Bruises on inner thighs, breasts and genital area
Taking care of a loved one can take quite a toll. While you may want to take all of the burden on yourself, sometimes that can be worse for you and your loved one. It is important to realize when you need outside help.
When your loved one’s care becomes too much for you to handle alone, it is important that you do your homework before deciding on a long-term care facility.
Ask for referrals, talk to other people about their experiences, become knowledgeable about the process. Only you can look out for your loved one’s safety.
If someone you love suffered injuries from abuse at a nursing home or long-term care facility, you have to call me immediately at 1 (800) 556-4769. As your personal injury lawyer, I’ll be there for you, and I’ll Make Them Pay!®
Author: Tim Misny | For over 33 years, personal injury lawyer Tim Misny has represented the injured victim in birth injury, medical malpractice, and catastrophic injury/wrongful death cases, serving “Cleveland, Akron/Canton, Columbus & Cincinnati, Ohio.” You can reach Tim by email at tmisny@misnylaw.com or call at 1 (800) 556-4769.