How to Prevent Nursing Home Abuse & Neglect

It’s difficult to accept the fact that nursing home abuse and neglect happen, but the unfortunate truth is that they do. Making the difficult decision that a nursing home is the best option for your loved one wasn’t easy, and if your aging relative experiences nursing home abuse or neglect as a result, it is naturally devastating. Fortunately, there are some things you can do to help prevent nursing home abuse and neglect from happening in the first place. 

If you do suspect that your loved one has been victimized by nursing home abuse or neglect, don’t put off consulting with an experienced St. Petersburg nursing home injury attorney. 

Choose the Nursing Home Wisely 

The first line of defense when it comes to preventing nursing home abuse and neglect is choosing the right nursing home for your loved one. While looks can be deceiving, all of the following descriptions should apply to the nursing home you’re considering:

• The residents appear engaged, are in reasonably good health, are reasonably active, and appear clean and well cared for.
• The meals provided are nutritious, varied, and well prepared
• The staff does not have an excessively high turnover rate
• The administration provides consistent oversight and carefully implements all necessary safety rules, regulations, and precautions
• The administration is available when you have a question or concern ● The staff engages with the residents in a friendly, natural manner
• The working conditions at the facility are not overly stressful
• The living conditions are warm and inviting

While there is no way to guarantee that nursing home abuse or neglect will never occur in a facility, doing some legwork ahead of time can help.

Be Aware of the Signs of Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect 

Nursing home abuse and neglect can take many different forms and can be surprisingly difficult to detect. There are, however, some basics signs that you should be aware of – and on the lookout for regarding your loved one – including:

• The onset of any physical or emotional change that is unexpected, unexplained, and concerning, including untreated bedsores
• Any unexplained injuries
• A sudden weight loss
• A sudden decline in mental processing
• A sudden withdrawal or self-isolation
• Visible and/or voiced fear
• An abrupt change in appearance, including a decline in hygiene
• Poorly and/or unsafely maintained living quarters

When it comes to your loved one, always trust your instincts and discuss your concerns with the nursing home’s administrator sooner rather than later. 

You Need an Experienced St. Petersburg Nursing Home Injury Attorney on Your Side 

If you have concerns about the care your loved one receives in a nursing home, it’s an important matter that requires immediate attention. The practiced St. Petersburg personal injury attorneys at Tragos, Sartes & Tragos understand the serious nature of the matter and are well-positioned to decisively act. Our dedicated legal team has impressive experience helping clients like you protect their loved ones’ rights and obtain favorable case resolutions. We’re on your side, so please don’t hesitate to contact us online or call us at (727) 441-9030 for more information today.