Approximately 10% of nursing home residents have experienced abuse and 60% have experienced neglect. Given the prevalence of abuse and neglect, family members may wonder if there is anything they can do to protect their loved ones from this harm.
Below, our Pittsburgh personal injury attorneys discuss measures that family members can do to prevent or reduce the likelihood of nursing home abuse.
#1. Tour the Facility
When selecting a nursing home for your elderly loved one, it’s of the utmost importance to tour the facility in person. Only then can you truly see and understand the conditions in the nursing home first-hand.
When touring the facility, make sure it has the following characteristics:
- There is enough staff to give each resident the care they deserve.
- The staff does not seem overworked or stressed, and provides residents with compassionate care.
- Residents have access to high-quality food, medicine, and healthcare treatment.
- Residents have a wide range of activities in which to participate.
It’s important to remember that not every instance of nursing home abuse is preventable. However, choosing a high-quality nursing home greatly reduces the chances of it happening, and all of the aforementioned signs are good indicators that the nursing home provides residents with the care and attention they need.
#2. Keep in Touch with Relatives
It’s easy for nursing home residents to become isolated and think that their family does not want to hear from them. This, in turn, can make nursing home residents less likely to report any abuse that is occurring.
Make sure to check-in with your loved ones frequently by visiting them in the nursing home, calling them, and writing them e-mails or letters so they know you are there for them.
#3. Take Reports of Abuse or Neglect Seriously
Keep your eyes and ears open when visiting the facility or hearing family and friends speak about the facility. If you hear someone discuss a report of abuse or neglect that happened at your loved one’s nursing home, call the facility and ask for details on what happened. It’s also a good idea to check in with your loved one and make sure they have not experienced any instances of abuse or neglect themselves.
Did Your Loved One Experience Abuse in Their Nursing Home? We’re Here to Help
Nursing home abuse and neglect are terrible things that no one should have to experience. If you believe your loved one experienced abuse or neglect in their nursing home, our Pittsburgh personal injury attorneys can help you seek justice against those responsible.
Contact Robert Peirce & Associates, P.C. today at (844) 383-0565 to schedule a free consultation.