Preventing Elder Abuse in Nursing Homes
There is no guaranteed way to prevent elder abuse in nursing
homes, but the likelihood of elder abuse occurring can be
dramatically reduced if the proper steps
and signs are observed. From the time of the nursing home
facility search, there are certain things that family members
should ask and observe concerning elder abuse and care. Choosing
a nursing home based strictly on price or reputation is not
always smart. A high priced nursing home does not correlate
to the care administered to the elders, and although reputation
can be a deciding factor, a positive reputation alone should
not be the whole reason for selecting a particular nursing
home. Take the time to investigate and do your homework because
the extra time spent can result in a happier, more well cared
for nursing home resident instead of another statistic of
elder abuse.
Continue to monitor the nursing home for elder abuse even
after your loved one has been admitted. In some instances,
when elder abuse is present, either due to an inability to
communicate or because of fear, a nursing home resident will
not always disclose that elder abuse in nursing homes is present.
Observe the behavior and physical
condition of your loved one and do not discount any suspicious
elder abuse appearances. Any suspicions should be immediately
reported to the nursing home facility, and if no changes are
implemented or made to your satisfaction, further action should
be taken.
Federal and state laws require certain information be provided
to every nursing home resident. Included is a personalized
health and care plan, conducting an initial assessment of
each resident’s functional capacity and continue to reassess
them, maintaining a resident’s basic rights, and preventing
and treating bedsores.
If any of these requirements are not fulfilled, it should
be brought to the attention of the nursing home immediately.
One in three nursing homes in 2001 were found to have elder
abuse present, and the inadequate number of staff and the
growing number of elders will only worsen the problem of elder
abuse. By taking every measure possible to make sure your
loved one has been placed in a safe and caring nursing home
facility you can help stop the cycle of elder abuse that has
grown into such a widespread problem.
If you have noticed any signs that may indicate elder abuse
in nursing homes is present alert the nursing home immediately
and contact
us to speak with a elder abuse in nursing homes attorney.
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