What If Your Parent Is Being Abused In A Nursing Home?
Despite your best efforts to find a nursing home that is safe for your parent, there is still a possibility that he or she could become a victim of abuse or neglect. If you suspect that your parent is, it is important that you take action immediately. Here is what you need to know.
Is It Abuse?
It can sometimes be difficult to determine whether or not your parent is being abused. This is especially true if your parent is unable to verbally communicate the abuse to you. However, there are some warning signs that you should look for.
For instance, if your parent is the victim of financial abuse, you might notice unexplained financial transactions, unusually expensive gifts to nursing home staff or people with whom you are not familiar, or unpaid bills.
If your parent is being emotionally or physically abused, he or she might have unexplained bruising, consistently soiled clothing, or the need for constant emergency care for injuries. Your parent might also show signs of depression, such as social withdrawal, fatigue, and changes to his or her weight.
What Can You Do?
One of the first actions you can take if you suspect that your parent is the victim of abuse is to talk to the director of the facility. By doing this, you are not only letting the director know that you feel your parent is not being cared for, but you are helping to build your case if the police becomes involved or you file a civil lawsuit.
It is imperative that you closely monitor your parent following your conversation with the director. Make note of any changes to your parent's care and behavior. Keep a detailed journal and take pictures of any injuries that you notice.
If the abuse continues, you need to contact the police and the Adult Protection Services in your area. File a formal complaint and include all of the information you have documented to that point. At this point, you want immediate action to stop the abuse or neglect that your parent is experiencing.
To protect your parent's rights and to ensure that your complaint is thoroughly investigated by the police and the state, you should hire an attorney who specializes in nursing home abuse. An experienced attorney will know state-specific legal options you can exercise to stop the abuse against your parent and ensure that the appropriate action is taken against the nursing home.
For a nursing home abuse lawyer, go to this link http://www.ggwmlawoffice.com or do an online search.