Dealing with suspicions of abuse or neglect in a nursing home can be a difficult and emotional experience. Many people do not know where to start when they believe that their loved ones may be facing poor treatment.
The first place to start is to get reports ready. If a person suspects neglect or abuse in nursing home, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services states that a report should be made as soon as possible. Reports are sent in to Adult Protective Services after being screened for legitimacy. After that point, case workers are sent to keep an eye on the situation and to gather information and perform inspections.
Intervention options are also available in some cases, if the abuse is severe enough. It is also possible to obtain assistance for legal matters, medical issues or other issues that might require the help of supportive services. This can help take some of the stress away from the family members that are dealing with the situation.
Open communication should also be kept between the facility manager or supervisor, especially because they may not necessarily be aware of what is going on. By making them aware, they will be able to monitor the situation closely and look for further signs of abuse. This can include malaise, poor hygiene, sudden rapid weight loss, bruises or abrasions. Other signs to look out for include suspicious activity among the staff, like denial of visitation hours.
Dealing with potential nursing home abuse will not be an easy situation. Because of this, it is important to get as much help as possible. With the right guidance and help, these situations can be dealt with swiftly and efficiently.