3 things to do if you suspect nursing home neglect or abuse

When you put your loved one in a nursing home, you expect they will receive top-notch care that was promised before admission. Unfortunately, this may not be the case, as they may experience abuse or neglect. If you suspect this is happening, you should make informed decisions to protect their rights.

Here are three things to do:

1. Make a report right away

If your loved one is exhibiting strange signs and symptoms, you should be alarmed. Once you have enough details to conclude that something is amiss, you should report your concerns to the facility. That can help you draw attention to the problem and curtail any further issues, which ultimately protects your loved one from greater harm.

2. Get immediate medical care

You should help your loved one get medical care immediately. You can call an ambulance or drive to a hospital. It will also help to contact the police to investigate the case while your loved one gets the needed help, especially if they are severely injured. Documenting your loved one’s injuries can also help you narrow down what happened, and when.

3. Take legal action

If the nursing home failed in its duty to care for your senior, you can and should take legal action against them. This will help you collect needed evidence and information to build a solid case. Your loved one deserves to be compensated for the damages they experienced while in the facility and the additional costs they are incurring as a result.

If your loved one is abused or neglected in a nursing home, swift action can prevent further harm and protect others from suffering the same fate.