What to do if you’re concerned about nursing home abuse and neglect

The only thing more difficult than having to make the decision about placing your loved one in a nursing home is the thought in the back of your mind that they could be abused or neglected by the people who are supposed to care for them.

One of the best things to do is consider the quality of the nursing home or assisted living facility you’re selecting for your loved one.  There are many resources available to help you find the right place with the right qualifications.  Consider the sources below:

• Nursing Home Checklist from Caregiver.com
• Nursing Home Guide from Consumer Reports
• Medicare’s Nursing Home Checklist

In addition, it is in your best interest to educate yourself about the types and signs of elder abuse and neglect.  You can find definitions of adult abuse and neglect as well as signs on our Nursing Home Abuse practice area page.  Detailed information about the signs of elder abuse, neglect, or exploitation is available in our law library article, “Signs of elder abuse, neglect, or exploitation”.

You should also be aware that there are mandatory reporting laws in Virginia for professionals who treat or have access to elders.  These professionals are required by law to report any suspected cases of abuse, neglect, or exploitation to their local department of social services or to a toll-free hotline.  Read more about mandatory reporters in our article, “Suspect Elder Abuse? Learn About Mandated Reporting”.

Understaffing is a Significant Cause of Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect

Have you worried that your loved one is not receiving adequate care in the nursing home?  Do you fear that your loved one could be a victim of nursing home abuse? 

Your concerns are justified as nursing home neglect and abuse happens all too often across the United States.  One of the main causes of nursing home abuse and neglect is understaffing of the facilities.  It is estimated that over 50 percent of nursing home facilities in the United States are understaffed.  Lack of the necessary staff can lead to serious abuse and neglect of the residents.

An understaffed nursing home is not able to provide the level of care that your loved one needs.  Workers at these nursing home facilities become overworked and tired, which can lead to impatience and verbal abuse with the residents.  It is not uncommon for an understaffed nursing home to neglect to give residents their medications, which could result in significant health problems.  Residents are overlooked and not provided with the appropriate attention, the attention in which families are paying thousands of dollars.

Malnutrition, dehydration and bed sores are common symptoms of nursing home neglect and abuse.  An understaffed nursing home increases the risk of these conditions.  You can help prevent such abuse and neglect by visiting your loved one often.  While you are at the nursing home facility, look for signs of abuse or neglect.  Does it appear that your loved one is in reasonable health?   Has your loved one mentioned abuse or lack of attention?  You may want to inquire about the current employee to resident ratio.  Since employee turnover can be high, this ratio can change.

If your loved one is the victim of nursing home abuse or neglect, contact Weisberg & Zaleski, P.C. today at (800) 690-0235.

The article, Understaffed Nursing Homes can Lead to Elder Abuse, has more information about the problems associated with understaffing, including the necessary legal action that should be taken.