How to Proactively Protect Your Loved Ones in Nursing Homes from Abuse and Neglect

For many families, nursing homes can provide excellent care and supervision of their loved ones with disabilities or who are of advanced age. However, stories about nursing home abuse and neglect are common, and that can make many families worried about the quality of care their loved ones will receive in their nursing homes.

While you can’t completely eliminate the possibility of your loved one being mistreated in their nursing home, there are several steps you can take to protect their health and well-being. In this blog, we explore these steps and provide tips for what to do if you suspect or have proof of nursing home staff abusing or neglecting your loved one.

10 Proactive Steps to Take to Protect Your Loved One

1. Research the Nursing Home

Start by thoroughly researching the nursing home. Read online reviews and check ratings from trusted sources, such as Medicare’s Nursing Home Compare tool. Look for any history of safety violations, complaints, or lawsuits involving the facility. Knowing the nursing home's track record can give you peace of mind about the facility you choose or steer you in another direction.

• Visit Regularly and Unannounced

Visit your loved one regularly, and vary the times you visit by making some of them unannounced. This helps you see the quality of care at different times of day. Neglect and abuse may occur during certain staff members’ shifts, or when staff are not expecting to be watched. During your visits, watch for signs of abuse or neglect—such as bruises, bedsores, weight loss, or unusual changes in behavior like fear or withdrawal—not just in your loved one, but in other residents as well.

• Build Relationships with Staff

Introduce yourself to the caregivers, nurses, and administrators at the nursing home and build positive relationships with them. This will let them know that your loved one has an involved family member watching out for their care. Communicate with them often and don’t hesitate to ask questions or raise concerns about your loved one’s treatment.

• Monitor Your Loved One’s Health and Well-Being

Keep a close watch on your loved one’s health and ensure they’re taking their medications and are receiving needed treatments. Check their hygiene, nutrition, and living environment. Stay informed by requesting updates from the medical staff and caregivers about any changes in their health or care plan and any incidents that may have occurred.

• Encourage Your Loved One to Speak Up

Ask your loved one about how they are feeling about the care they’re receiving. Encourage them to speak openly about any concerns or fears they may have. Reassure them that they can tell you if something is wrong and that you will take it seriously.

• Watch for Emotional Changes

Pay attention to any emotional changes in your loved one. If they seem anxious, depressed, or unusually fearful around certain staff members, take it seriously, as these could be signs of mistreatment. Address any concerns immediately with the staff or administration.

• Document Any Concerns

If you notice anything troubling, document it. Write dated notes and take photos of any signs of abuse or neglect. This documentation could be important if you need to take action later. If the issue continues, file a formal complaint with the nursing home and consider reporting the matter to state authorities, such as the long-term care ombudsman or health department.

• Monitor Your Loved One Remotely

In Ohio, Esther’s Law allows nursing home residents and their loved ones the right to install electronic monitoring devices in their rooms to monitor quality of care. Being able to review footage or check in on your loved one remotely throughout the day can give you peace of mind and also help you spot any signs of potential abuse or neglect before they cause your loved one significant harm.

• Know the Warning Signs of Abuse or Neglect

Be aware of the warning signs of abuse or neglect. Physical abuse can show as unexplained bruises, cuts, or broken bones. Signs of neglect might include bedsores, dehydration, poor hygiene, or dirty living conditions. Emotional abuse may cause sudden withdrawal, fear, or depression.

1. Take Action If Abuse Is Suspected

If you suspect your loved one is being abused or neglected, act immediately. Report your concerns to the nursing home administration and, if necessary, file a complaint with your state’s adult protective services or long-term care ombudsman. Contacting a nursing home lawyer can help prove the nursing home’s negligence and get you compensation to cover the cost of your loved one’s care and move to a safer home.

Contact Our Ohio Nursing Home Neglect Lawyers

When it comes to nursing home abuse and neglect, it’s better to be safe than sorry. If you’re concerned about your loved one’s well-being in their nursing home, it’s important to contact an experienced Ohio nursing home neglect attorney right away.

At Nurenberg, Paris, Heller & McCarthy, our legal team has decades of experience building cases against negligent nursing homes and employees, and we know what it takes to win. Contact us anytime for a free consultation. We’re ready to help your family get through this difficult time.

Related Posts