5 Steps to Take if You Suspect Nursing Home Abuse

Elder law attorneys play a crucial role in safeguarding the rights and well-being of our seniors. Cases of nursing home abuse are unfortunately more common than we would hope, but with the right information and resources, it is possible to tackle this issue head-on. If you’re searching for an ‘elder law attorney near me‘, you’ve already taken the first step towards vigilance and action.

This guide will help illuminate the path forward, providing you with useful advice on how to identify abuse and steps to take if you suspect it. Let’s discuss how a team of experienced elder law attorneys can assist you in obtaining justice for your loved one.

Understanding Nursing Home Abuse

Nursing home abuse is a form of mistreatment or neglect that occurs in nursing homes and long-term care facilities. It can take several forms, including physical, emotional, sexual, or financial abuse.

Signs of nursing home abuse can be challenging to spot, especially if the victim is unable to communicate or suffers from cognitive impairments. Some common scenarios that may warrant a case include:

• Unexplainable Injuries: If you’ve noticed that your loved one has bruises, cuts, or burns without a logical explanation, it could be a sign of physical abuse.
• Emotional Changes: Abuse can also take an emotional toll on the victim. If your loved one seems more withdrawn, anxious, or fearful than usual, it may be a red flag.
• Financial Exploitation: Elderly individuals are often targeted by scammers and financial predators. If your loved one is suddenly missing money or personal belongings, it’s worth investigating.
• Neglect: Often harder to recognize, neglect is a form of abuse that involves failing to meet the resident’s basic needs, such as food, water, hygiene, and medical care.

If you’ve noticed any of these signs in your loved one, it’s time to look for an “elder law attorney near me.” Here are some steps you should take next:

1. Report the Abuse Immediately If Confirmed

If you have confirmed or suspect that your loved one is experiencing abuse, report it immediately to the appropriate authorities. This could include calling 911, filing a report with the nursing home administration, or contacting Adult Protective Services in your state.

2. File a Complaint

While contacting the authorities is important, so is informing the nursing home itself. Unless you suspect the head of the facility is involved in the abuse, they should know so they can conduct their own investigation and take proper action to the nurse involved. You never know if your loved one is the only one.

3. Consult with a Lawyer

Legal action may be necessary to hold the nursing home accountable for their actions and obtain justice for your loved one. Consulting with an experienced elder law attorney near you can help you understand your legal options and guide you through the process of filing a claim.

4. Gather Evidence

If possible, gather evidence to support your case, such as photographs of injuries, witness statements, medical records, and financial documents. This will strengthen your case and improve your chances of receiving compensation for damages. Elder law attorneys near you can expertly use this evidence to help your loved one get safe. 

5. Stay Vigilant for Future Abuse

Even if the abuse has been reported and addressed, it’s crucial to remain vigilant for any signs of future mistreatment. Regularly check in with your loved one and continue to monitor their well-being.

Protect Your Loved Ones Viligantly With PMHP

At PMHP Law, our team of experienced elder law attorneys near you is committed to protecting the rights of seniors and their families. We understand the devastating impact that nursing home abuse can have on individuals and are dedicated to pursuing justice for victims. Our attorneys will work tirelessly to hold the responsible parties accountable and seek compensation for any damages.

So let’s get started with a free consultation today. We want more than anything to help protect your loved one now.