When you move a loved one into a nursing home or assisted living, understandably, you’ll want their final years to be as pain-free and comfortable as possible. With the power out of your hands and someone else being in charge of their care, you’d expect your loved one to be well taken care of. Unfortunately, this isn’t always the case.
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The nursing home sector is a for-profit industry, meaning that the bottom line takes priority over patient or resident care. If you have suspicions that your loved one isn’t getting the care they deserve, it’s time to take action. Here are some steps you should take if you believe your loved one is being neglected.
Speak with Other Families
If your loved one is in a nursing home or assisted living facility, there will be other residents who you can talk to. However, should your loved one have dementia, they or other residents may not be able to get their opinions across. Instead, you may have to speak to the families of other residents about your concerns. You may find that others in the same boat have worries too. If this is the case, you can group together, share stories, and file a complaint.
Report Your Concerns
If you firmly believe that your loved one is being neglected in their care home, you shouldn’t hesitate to report your concerns. You should have the opportunity to file a formal complaint with the director of nursing or administrator. Make sure you get your point across and outline your worries.
Install a Camera
When you’re not with your loved one, all sorts of thoughts may go through your head on what care they’re receiving. To know exactly what is going on, you may wish to consider installing a camera in their room. This will allow you to record and observe what happens. Before you go down this route, you need to research the privacy laws in your state. This is because there may need to be a notice displayed that alerts caregivers and resident of the camera’s presence.
Visit Regularly
One of the best things you can do if you suspect neglect in your loved one’s care home is to visit them often. Whether you can go once a week, or several times a week, seeing them regularly will give you a better indication of what level of care they’re receiving. You can use this chance to engage with the care home staff and get to know them, as well as keep a close eye on them.
Contact the Authorities
If you’re adamant your loved one isn’t in safe hands in their care home, now is the time to contact the authorities. Make sure you keep a record of everything that has happened,as this can serve as evidence. You can also hire a nursing home neglect attorney who can handle your case and help your loved one get justice.
The thought of your loved one not being in safe hands in a nursing home can be overwhelming. If you’ve noticed a change in their behavior or visible injuries, now is the time to act. The steps above can help you.
