If you have a loved one who is residing in a nursing home, they will be vulnerable either physically, emotionally or both. Therefore, it is vital that you take extra precautions to ensure their safety and security, and that you do not blindly trust the nursing home to protect them.
If the physical and emotional needs of your loved one are not met in the nursing home, you may be able to take legal action and gain back damages for the pain and suffering caused. This could not only help you get justice, but it may also prevent other vulnerable people from going through the same traumatic ordeal. The following are some ways in which you can successfully protect your elderly loved one.
Be observant
Issues in a nursing home may not be initially apparent. However, if you are observant and understand what to watch out for, you may be able to detect signs of a problem. For example, your loved one may not tell you that anything has happened, but you may be able to notice a shift in their behavior and a change in their character. They may start to become more withdrawn and depressed, easily startled and timid. Changes such as this could indicate that your loved one is being physically or emotionally abused.
Know the red flags
Any change, from a change in sleeping patterns, noticeable bruises and bedsores, or a reduced appetite could be a sign of nursing home abuse or neglect. Therefore, even if you have only a slight concern, you should be proactive in asking questions, looking for signs and speaking to the management about your concerns. If possible, keep your conversations in writing so that they can support any future legal case.
If you are concerned that your loved one is not being given the care that is necessary in a nursing home, take the time to understand the possibilities for taking legal action.
