I Think My Parent Is Being Abused in a Nursing Home: What Should I Do?
We expect nursing homes to be run well so our aging loved ones can spend their golden years happy and relaxed. Unfortunately, abuse and mistreatment can occur at assisted-living facilities, which is especially troubling given the size of Florida’s elderly community. The Daytona Beach, FL, and Palm Coast, FL, attorneys at Chanfrau & Chanfrau can help you file a lawsuit for nursing home abuse and neglect.
Yet how can you tell if abuse is happening at a nursing home? And what can you do to ensure your elder abuse case is strong?
If you suspect a loved one is a victim of abuse in an assisted-living facility, here are five things you can do to protect your loved one and seek restitution.
1. Look for Common Signs of Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect
Knowing what to look for is always the first step.
There are different types of nursing home abuse. Whether your loved one is the victim of physical abuse, emotional abuse, sexual abuse, financial abuse, or general neglect, keep an eye out for the following:
- Bruises
- Bed sores
- Poor hygiene
- Soiled sheets or clothing
- Weight loss
- Emotional withdrawal
- Changes in mood or behavior
- Depression or anxiety
Ultimately, any alarming change in appearance, behavior, or personality could be a warning sign of elder abuse.
2. Gather Evidence of Suspected Elder Abuse
If you notice signs of abuse or mistreatment, it’s crucial that you document it. Take photos or videos of injuries or unsanitary living conditions. Get your loved one to talk about what happened if they are able to. Speak with other residents at the facility for their witness accounts.
3. Discuss Your Concerns with the Nursing Home
Bring your evidence of abuse or neglect up with the people in charge of the nursing home. If there is a member of the staff who’s perpetrating the abuse, disciplinary actions may be taken against them.
4. Report the Elder Abuse or Neglect to the Authorities
Sometimes the culture of abuse and neglect is systemic at the nursing home. In these cases, management will not be responsive to your concerns. It’s best to go to the police in Daytona Beach or Palm Coast to let them know about the abuse.
5. Speak with an Attorney About What Happened
Consider discussing what happened with an attorney even if the nursing home is taking disciplinary action or the authorities have been alerted. You may be able to seek legal damages from the assisted-living facility for the harm they inflicted on your loved one.
Should I File a Lawsuit Against the Nursing Home?
It’s always worth discussing potential litigation with a skilled team of injury lawyers. A lawsuit may not be warranted in all cases, but an attorney may be able to note negligence on the part of the nursing home when it came to staffing and hiring.
How Our Lawyers Can Help
Our personal injury attorneys in Daytona Beach and Palm Coast will review what happened to your loved one. By examining the evidence and considering other factors at play, they will let you know if you have a case worth pursuing.
Set Up a Consultation at Our Law Firm
If a family member or friend is in danger at a nursing home, do not delay. Please contact our law firm today to discuss potential legal action.